Security Technology Solutions
Manufacturing Services
The manufacturing sector, increasingly reliant on interconnected operational technology (OT) and sophisticated supply chains, faces unique cybersecurity challenges. Protecting intellectual property, ensuring operational continuity, and safeguarding critical infrastructure from cyber-physical attacks are paramount. Compliance often involves specific standards related to defense contracts, industrial control systems, and global data privacy.
Key Regulations For Manufacturing Sector
NIST SP 800-171:
Mandatory for non-federal organizations that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) or other federal agencies. This includes a vast number of manufacturers in the defense industrial base.
ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) / EAR (Export Administration Regulations):
These U.S. regulations govern the export of defense-related articles and services (ITAR) and dual-use items (EAR). Compliance often requires robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive technical data (e.g., blueprints, formulas, manufacturing processes) from unauthorized access or export.
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification):
A tiered certification program for DoD contractors, building upon NIST 800-171. It will be a contractual requirement for many DoD contracts, mandating third-party assessments of a manufacturer's cybersecurity posture, critical for supply chain security.
ISO/IEC 27001:
An international standard for an Information Security Management System (ISMS). While voluntary, achieving ISO 27001 certification demonstrates a systematic approach to managing information security risks, including intellectual property, which is highly valuable in manufacturing.
ISA/IEC 62443:
A series of international standards (IEC 62443) widely recognized for securing Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) and Operational Technology (OT) environments. These standards are crucial for manufacturers using SCADA, DCS, PLCs, and other industrial control systems.
Supply Chain Security Regulations:
Beyond CMMC, there's a growing focus on the security of the entire supply chain. While not always direct regulations, contracting clauses often flow down security requirements to suppliers, impacting how manufacturers must secure their data and systems when interacting with partners.
Our Solutions for Manufacturing:
Security Technology Solutions specializes in securing complex manufacturing environments, from shop floors to supply chains, ensuring compliance and operational resilience.
• Security Posture Assessments & Gap Analysis: We conduct detailed assessments of IT and OT environments (e.g., SCADA, DCS systems), identifying vulnerabilities, assessing compliance with NIST 800-171, ISA/IEC 62443, and CMMC requirements, and providing actionable steps to secure critical manufacturing assets and intellectual property.
• Regulatory Compliance & Governance Consulting: Our experts guide manufacturers through CMMC, NIST 800-171, ITAR, and relevant data privacy regulations, helping establish robust policies and controls necessary for defense contracts and sensitive data handling.
• Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) & Risk Analysis: We help identify and mitigate unique risks like supply chain attacks, intellectual property theft, and cyber-physical threats to production lines, ensuring business continuity and competitive advantage.
• Incident Response Planning & Advisory: We develop and test incident response plans specifically for manufacturing, addressing both IT and OT system compromises, aiming to minimize production downtime, protect proprietary data, and ensure rapid recovery from cyberattacks.
• Security Strategy & Roadmap Development: We work with manufacturers to build a comprehensive security strategy that integrates IT and OT security, supports Industry 4.0 initiatives, and ensures long-term protection of critical assets and intellectual property.
• Security Awareness Training & Education Program Design: Customized training for manufacturing employees focuses on social engineering, insider threats, and safe handling of sensitive industrial data, fostering a security-first culture on the factory floor and in the office.
• Vendor Risk Management (Third-Party Risk Advisory): Essential for securing the supply chain, we assess the cybersecurity posture of suppliers, distributors, and partners, ensuring they meet your compliance obligations (e.g., CMMC requirements for subcontractors).
• Data Privacy Consulting: We provide guidance on managing employee data, customer data, and any PII processed within your manufacturing operations, ensuring compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and other relevant privacy laws.