Cybersecurity services

What are industrial cybersecurity services

Operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS) are essential for managing and controlling industrial processes. Digital transformation has increasingly integrated these systems across the manufacturing infrastructure. This narrowing gap brings its own risks. Without an integrated approach to safety and security, new vulnerabilities may emerge. For example, facilities may become vulnerable to hackers, advanced persistent threats (APTs), and ransomware attacks.

Over time, industrial security vulnerabilities can compromise operator safety (therefore putting life and limb at risk) and disrupt the continuity of the production process. A cyberattack can put an entire industrial facility at risk, impacting billions of dollars’ worth of output and critical infrastructure, as well as cause intellectual property and reputation loss.

Today’s production facilities depend heavily on complex technologies and integrated systems. A facility’s continued capacity relies on its IT processes and the cybersecurity resources at its disposal. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats makes it essential for organisations to adopt robust cybersecurity measures to protect their industrial operations. They must also simultaneously implement a “Security by Design” approach at the innovation and design phase for a new product or service.

TÜV SÜD’s cybersecurity services combine our IT- and OT-security expertise and manufacturing safety experience. This helps you better protect your products and systems against a range of cybersecurity risks over the whole product lifecycle.

Why cybersecurity services are important

As ICS and OT underpin critical infrastructure and essential services, cybersecurity becomes ever more crucial for several reasons:

Rising threat landscape

Industrial sectors are increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyberattacks. With the rise of ransomware, phishing, and APTs, the risk has never been higher. 

Financial implications

Cyberattacks cause significant financial losses, including downtime, lost productivity, and remediation costs. A single cyber incident can cost a manufacturing company millions of dollars in damages. 

Regulatory compliance

Industrial security is a multilayered regulatory environment. Manufacturers must meet requirements from multiple standards such as NIST, IEC 62443, and GDPR. These are mandatory and critical for maintaining operational licenses. Specific industry requirements add further complexity. Manufacturers are also facing new cybersecurity regulations such as the Cyber Resilience Act and Radio Equipment Directive. Beyond the production line, companies must fulfil rigorous security regulations in their tendering and purchasing processes.

Reputation and trust

A successful cyberattack can severely damage a company's reputation. Customers, partners, and other stakeholders need to trust that their data and the company’s operations are secure. Cybersecurity breaches can erode this trust quickly. 

Operational continuity

Industrial operations rely heavily on continuous and reliable processes. Cybersecurity is essential to prevent disruptions that can halt production lines, affect supply chains, and impact the bottom line. 

Technological integration

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and smart technologies in industrial environments increases the cyberattack surface. Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures are in place is vital for protecting these interconnected systems. 

Intellectual property protection

Industrial sectors often hold valuable intellectual property, including proprietary processes, designs, and technologies. Cybersecurity is crucial to prevent intellectual property theft, which can undermine competitive advantages. 

Human safety

Cyberattacks on industrial systems can have physical consequences, potentially endangering life. Cybersecurity doesn’t just protect data, but also the physical safety of employees and the public. 

Supply chain security

Industrial operations are part of complex supply chains. A cyberattack on one part of the supply chain can have significant ripple effects, disrupting entire production and distribution networks. 

Insurance and risk management

Cybersecurity measures are increasingly becoming a factor in industrial insurance policies. Robust cybersecurity can lead to lower insurance premiums and better risk management strategies.

Competitive advantage

Companies that prioritise cybersecurity can leverage it as a competitive advantage. Demonstrating cybersecurity expertise and ongoing compliance with cybersecurity regulations can be a potent competitive differentiator in these volatile times. It offers assurance to customers and partners that operations and data are secure. 

Emerging threats

As industrial systems become more advanced, new cyber threats are emerging. Staying ahead of these threats with proactive cybersecurity measures is essential for long-term success and resilience. 

How TÜV SÜD can help you with cybersecurity services

TÜV SÜD’s cybersecurity services help you fulfil the latest international regulatory cybersecurity requirements for operations and products. You will be able to implement and scale-up digital technologies throughout your manufacturing facility and development process, without compromising operations or safety.

TÜV SÜD supports you with the right level of service to meet your specific needs. For example, you might want to minimise your risk profile, stay informed about new regulatory requirements, or gain access to international standardisation committees. Our global experts work in your local language, sharing international and country-specific regulatory knowledge, guidelines and culture.

Our cybersecurity experts stay current with the latest breaches and hacking techniques, ensuring your systems are future-proof. We are active members of multiple standardisation organisations and participants in cybersecurity regulation discussions. We follow a best-practice approach, tailored to your needs, to keep you at the forefront of organisational and technical requirements.

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What our cybersecurity services include?

We deliver comprehensive cybersecurity services, from assessments and testing to certification. We help businesses secure their IT systems through risk assessments, tailored tests, and improvement strategies while offering training, customised workshops, and project management to ensure compliance with international standards like ISO 27000 and IEC 62443.