OT Cybersecurity Strategy

Development of a risk-based OT cybersecurity strategy for over 80 global manufacturing sites, encompassing pharmaceutical and precious metals production environments with site-specific security requirements.

The Case

Brief

For a leading German pharmaceutical precious metals manufacturer, we developed their inaugural OT cybersecurity strategy. The project encompassed two key phases: First, we conducted a comprehensive cybersecurity maturity assessment across selected manufacturing facilities. Second, we designed a tailored risk-based security framework for the entire production environment.

Our approach delivered a cost-effective OT cybersecurity strategy that addressed both current and future needs. We incorporated varying automation requirements across facilities, complex production processes and products, site-specific risk exposure levels, and regulatory compliance needs. The result was a scalable security framework that protected critical manufacturing assets while enabling operational efficiency.

80+

Global and Diverse Manufacturing Sites

3

Tier Risk-Based OT Security Model

20

Core Cybersecurity Focus Areas

The Process

Our Areas of Activity

Comprehensive As-Is Analysis

Executed a strategic baseline assessment across carefully selected representative manufacturing sites. Our non-intrusive analysis methodology delivered comprehensive security insights while minimizing operational impact. This targeted approach efficiently captured the complete spectrum of security requirements across diverse production environments, providing a solid foundation for enterprise-wide security improvements.

Design of Risk-Based Security Measures

Leveraging comprehensive analysis and industry-leading standards, we developed a sophisticated three-tier cybersecurity strategy based on risk assessment. This adaptive framework enables targeted security implementations that evolve with increasing automation levels while effectively addressing escalating risk profiles. The tiered approach ensures optimal resource allocation and allows for systematic security enhancements aligned with operational growth and technological advancement.

Awareness Campaign Setup

Developed and implemented a tailored cybersecurity awareness program specifically designed for manufacturing personnel. Our comprehensive approach included targeted educational campaigns for operational staff while engaging IT and OT management in strategic discussions about industrial cybersecurity imperatives. This dual-track awareness initiative fostered a security-conscious culture across all organizational levels, ensuring alignment between operational requirements and security objectives.

Results

Our Contribution to Success

OT Security Awareness Implementation

Established comprehensive OT security awareness across all organizational levels, from local manufacturing teams to global management and board members. This initiative created a shared understanding of cybersecurity risks, controls, and responsibilities throughout the organization. The program effectively bridged the gap between operational technology requirements and corporate risk management, leading to improved decision-making processes and resource allocation for cybersecurity measures.

Risk-Based OT Cybersecurity Strategy

Developed a sophisticated, risk-focused OT cybersecurity strategy that enables precise security measures tailored to specific manufacturing environments. The framework accommodates both current operational demands and future technological advancements, allowing for flexible adaptation of security controls. This granular approach ensures efficient resource allocation while maintaining appropriate security levels across different manufacturing scenarios and risk profiles.

Productivity-Optimized Security

Implemented balanced cybersecurity measures that prioritize operational availability while maintaining robust security standards. This strategic approach ensures long-term productivity improvements by minimizing security-related disruptions and downtimes. The solution optimizes manufacturing efficiency through carefully selected security controls that protect critical assets without compromising operational performance or production targets.