Cybersecurity in the Processing Industry

Like most industries, processing (covering chemical, oil, and gas) has become increasingly dependent on computer systems and digital technologies. Almost all activities in processing depend on the safety and reliability of information technology (IT) systems.

Technology offers unprecedented opportunities to scale, innovate, and optimise. However, it also renders the entire industry more vulnerable to cyberattacks, and amplifies the damage caused by such breaches. Attacks are becoming more sophisticated and strategic.

Given this threat landscape, cybersecurity in the processing industry becomes an increasing priority. TÜV SÜD offers a wide range of advisory, assessment, certification, and training services to fulfill your processing cybersecurity needs.

Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving and becoming harder to identify and counter. Overcoming these threats requires enterprise-wide risk management and top-notch cybersecurity governance. Cybersecurity experts and knowledge are vital for every aspect of security – Risk assessment analysis, detection, cyber security management systems, and attack prevention. 

In particular, Operations Technology (OT), or computer systems that control valves, motors, pumps, power grids, and industrial plants, is under heightened threat. Known as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) network, these systems have become major targets of cyberattacks. Any kind of disruption to these critical components can sever access to essential products and services. 

In this context, industrial cybersecurity is not only a requirement – It is also a competitive advantage as organisations stand to improve brand reputation and trustworthiness. Consistent data and operations security will encourage customers to continue using services as the overall brand image improves. Enhanced security awareness also impacts profit margins as it averts costly regulatory requirements and penalties. 

Therefore, organisations need to train and hire cybersecurity professionals to protect their operations from threats. They should also ensure reliable IT infrastructure, secure IT systems, an incident response plan, and ample OT security. Once they integrate cybersecurity into their culture and operations, organisations should maintain this awareness through training and programs.

Globally recognised as a brand of trust, TÜV SÜD facilitates a safe and secure digital transformation for your processing operations. We will assist you to manage processing cybersecurity challenges, minimise risks, and maximise efficiency.

With our numerous accreditations and credible industry expertise, we are a dependable partner for a wide variety of independent and unbiased engineering services. This enables you to improve your security awareness and proficiency.

By participating in international standardisation committees in the processing industry, we understand and refine the latest standards regulations. We can bring your operations up to par with standards such as NERC CIP and ISO 27001, and the industry’s best practices.

Our experts understand how rapidly the industrial cybersecurity landscape is changing, and help with foreseeing and adapting to new risks. We can customise our services to local and global standards depending on your needs.

With our wide network of industry experts and institutions, we inspire trust as your partner for strategic cybersecurity planning. Our relationships with long-term clients prove our ability to aid in industrial cybersecurity needs.

TÜV SÜD enables you to meet constantly changing regulations, protects your hyperconnected components, and helps you gain a competitive edge through cybersecurity in the processing industry.

Knowledge services

TÜV SÜD can assist you in an advisory role to handle industrial cybersecurity with our SecureSafety product. It brings together the required OT security and our trusted safety services to allow you to operate confidently.

Assessment and testing

TÜV SÜD can evaluate your processes and conduct rigorous testing to mitigate risks and reduce cyber breaches. Our assessment and testing services include but are not limited to:

• Smart Industry Cybersecurity Readiness Index.
• IoT Penetration Testing IT Penetration Testing.
• Tabletop exercises.
• IR Plan Review.

Certification

To ensure you are complying with mandatory regulations, TÜV SÜD can provide you with the essential certifications, including but not limited to:

• Consumer IoT-System Certification (VdTÜV mark).
• IEC 62443 certification.

Managed services

TÜV SÜD’s managed services let you communicate and collaborate with clients in a smart, secure way without needing another platform. You can choose from the following services:

• Uniscon (idgard).
• Data Centre infrastructure services.

Training

We can share our wide range of industry expertise with you and your team through programmes that fulfil your needs. You can improve industrial cybersecurity culture and awareness when you attend any of the following:

• Information security auditor (ISO 27001).
• Information security officer (ISO 27001).
• Information security foundation (ISO 27001).
• Information security: Security awareness.
• Industrial security foundation.
• Automotive security foundation.
• Functional safety and security training.
• Industrial security trainings.