Cybersecurity Essentials for SMB Manufacturers—
Protect Your Operations from Ransomware, Downtime, and Compliance Failures

Introduction: Why Cybersecurity in Manufacturing Can't Be Ignored

Manufacturing cybersecurity has become a business risk, not just a technical issue. As factories adopt connected technologies, cyberattacks are hitting operational environments that were never built to withstand them.

Manufacturers now face more frequent, targeted attacks. These are not random scans, they’re deliberate, profit-driven operations aimed at disrupting production, stealing proprietary data, or extorting payment. In many cases, attackers exploit outdated systems, insecure remote access, or weak segmentation between business and plant networks.

Cyberattacks are disrupting real-world operations

Recent incidents show what’s at stake:

• Colonial Pipeline (2021) – A ransomware attack on IT systems led to a shutdown of fuel delivery to 17 states. Even though the industrial systems weren’t directly hit, the business impact was immediate and national in scale.
• Norsk Hydro (2019) – A global aluminum manufacturer was hit with LockerGoga ransomware. Plants were forced into manual mode across 40 countries. Recovery took weeks and cost the company over $70 million.
• JBS Foods (2021) – The world’s largest meat processor temporarily shut down operations in the U.S., Canada, and Australia due to a ransomware attack. The disruption affected supply chains and food distribution nationwide.
  
  
  These aren’t outliers. Manufacturing is now the top sector targeted by ransomware, according to IBM and Dragos. Attackers know downtime costs money, and that makes manufacturers more likely to pay.

Why manufacturing is vulnerable

Most manufacturing facilities rely on Operational Technology (OT), the systems that monitor and control physical equipment. These include programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and industrial control systems (ICS). Many were designed decades ago, with reliability in mind but little attention to cybersecurity.

The problem gets worse as manufacturers adopt smart sensors, remote diagnostics, and cloud-based platforms. Business networks (IT) and plant networks (OT) are now connected, often without strong controls between them.

This IT/OT convergence increases attack surfaces and introduces new risks:

• A phishing email to a corporate user can lead to an attacker gaining access to the factory floor.
• A weak password on a remote access tool can become a foothold into the control system.
• Outdated devices with no patching process can be used to spread malware across the network.

Manufacturers that ignore these risks put their operations, reputation, and contracts at risk. A single breach can trigger weeks of disruption, regulatory scrutiny, and long-term loss of customer trust.

Manufacturing cybersecurity isn’t optional, it’s a requirement for operational continuity and business resilience.

Understanding the Manufacturing Cyber Threat Landscape

Manufacturing cybersecurity requires a clear understanding of what makes industrial environments different, and why they’re now a top target for cybercriminals.

Manufacturers operate in a high-stakes environment. Downtime is expensive. Margins are tight. Systems often run 24/7. These conditions make manufacturers attractive to attackers who know disruption equals leverage.

Common threats targeting manufacturing

1. Ransomware
   
   
   • Attackers use malware to lock critical files or systems and demand payment to restore access.
     
     
   • In manufacturing, ransomware can halt production lines, disable control systems, and corrupt batch processes.
     
     
   • According to IBM X-Force, manufacturing was the most attacked sector in 2023, with ransomware as the leading method.
     
     
2. Insider threats
   
   
   • Employees, contractors, or vendors can cause damage, intentionally or accidentally.
     
     
   • Examples include plugging in unsecured USB drives, misconfiguring systems, or stealing sensitive design files.
     
     
   • Many facilities lack monitoring tools to detect suspicious behavior inside the network.
     
     
3. Supply chain attacks
   
   
   • Threat actors target software providers, equipment vendors, or third-party service firms to gain indirect access.
     
     
   • Compromised vendor credentials or software updates can become a backdoor into your environment.
     
     
   • Manufacturers with long, complex supply chains face increased exposure.
     
     

These threats don’t just affect data. In a factory, they can stop physical operations, damage equipment, or compromise safety.

OT vs IT: Where the gaps live

Most security programs are built around IT systems, email, file servers, cloud apps. But manufacturers also rely on Operational Technology (OT), the hardware and software that run machines, monitor processes, and control production.

The problem: OT and IT have different priorities.

Factor	IT Focus	OT Focus
Primary goal	Data confidentiality	Physical process availability
Downtime tolerance	Hours or days	Minutes or seconds
Update cycles	Weekly or monthly	Infrequent or rarely updated
Lifecycle	3–5 years	10–20 years or longer
Security practices	Standardized (patching, AV, MFA)	Often ad-hoc or non-existent

 

OT systems are often isolated, outdated, and not designed for security. Many run legacy operating systems, don’t support encryption, and can’t be patched without interrupting production. This makes them vulnerable to basic exploits.

Why IT security doesn’t work out-of-the-box for manufacturing

Applying traditional IT tools and policies directly to the factory floor usually fails.
Firewalls and endpoint tools may interfere with machine controls.

• Regular patching can disrupt processes or void equipment warranties.
• Antivirus software may not be compatible with older or proprietary OT systems.
• User roles and permissions are harder to enforce in shared industrial workstations.

Manufacturing environments need tailored cybersecurity controls that account for uptime requirements, equipment limitations, and human factors on the shop floor.

Relying solely on IT practices leaves gaps, gaps that attackers know how to exploit. Bridging this divide starts with understanding where the risks live and building security into both IT and OT systems.

Overview of Key Cybersecurity Frameworks for Manufacturers

Choosing the right cybersecurity framework is a core part of any manufacturing cybersecurity strategy. These standards help you manage risks, improve system security, and meet regulatory or customer requirements. While they each approach cybersecurity differently, they’re not mutually exclusive, and many manufacturers combine them.

Here’s how the three most relevant frameworks apply to industrial environments.

ISA/IEC 62443: Purpose-Built for Industrial Systems

ISA/IEC 62443 is the most comprehensive cybersecurity standard for industrial automation and control systems (IACS). It was developed specifically for operational environments like factories, utilities, and refineries.

Why it matters for manufacturers and OEMs:

• Focuses on the unique challenges of Operational Technology (OT), including uptime requirements and legacy systems.
• Applies to asset owners, system integrators, and equipment vendors.
• Offers a shared language between manufacturers and their suppliers on cybersecurity expectations.

Key components:

• Zones and conduits model – Divides systems into logical security zones (e.g., office network, control network) and defines secure data pathways (conduits) between them.
• Security levels – Defines increasing levels of protection based on risk and exposure.
• System requirements – Covers access control, use control, data integrity, response planning, and continuous monitoring.

Benefits:

• Aligns cybersecurity across supply chains

• Supports better segmentation of industrial networks

• Reduces attack surfaces in critical systems

• Helps meet growing procurement and compliance expectations

ISA/IEC 62443 is especially valuable if you run smart factories or support OEM equipment in regulated industries.

NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF): Flexible and Scalable

The NIST CSF was created by the National Institute of Standards and Technology to help organizations manage cybersecurity risk. It’s widely adopted across industries, including manufacturing, because of its simplicity and flexibility.

Core structure:

The framework is organized into five core functions:

• Identify – Understand your environment, assets, and risks
• Protect – Implement safeguards to secure systems
• Detect – Monitor for threats and suspicious activity
• Respond – Develop plans to contain and mitigate incidents
• Recover – Restore operations and improve resilience

How manufacturers use NIST CSF:

• As a baseline to start building a security program
• To guide internal assessments and gap analysis
• As a roadmap for long-term cybersecurity maturity

Manufacturers can adopt NIST CSF in phases, starting with asset inventory and risk assessments, then adding controls over time. It’s especially helpful for organizations that are early in their cybersecurity journey or need a framework for executive reporting.

ISO/IEC 27001: Managing Information Security Across the Business

ISO/IEC 27001 is a global standard for information security management systems (ISMS). While it was not designed specifically for manufacturing, it plays a key role in protecting business and product data.

Why it matters:

• Helps protect sensitive documents, IP, CAD files, and production plans
• Standardizes security policies across sites and teams
• Demonstrates compliance in global supply chains and audits

ISO 27001 is often used in combination with OT-focused frameworks like ISA/IEC 62443 to cover both sides of the business.

Which framework should you use?

It depends on your operations, compliance needs, and maturity level:

Framework	Best For
ISA/IEC 62443	Industrial facilities, OEMs, OT environments
NIST CSF	Small to mid-size manufacturers, phased adoption
ISO/IEC 27001	Information security, global supplier alignment

 

In practice, many manufacturers use NIST as a starting point, adopt ISO 27001 for business-wide governance, and add ISA/IEC 62443 to secure production systems. Aligning all three creates a strong, layered defense across your operations.

How to Secure OT & ICS in Manufacturing Environments

Securing Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS) requires a different approach than securing standard IT infrastructure. These systems are tied to physical processes. They prioritize uptime over data. And they often include legacy devices that can’t be easily patched or replaced.

Cybersecurity in these environments starts with visibility, then builds control around what you already have.

Step-by-step: What to secure first

1. Create an accurate asset inventory
   
   
   • Document all OT devices: PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, sensors, and communication gateways.
     
     
   • Include firmware versions, IP addresses, and known vulnerabilities.
     
     
   • Identify any shadow devices or unmonitored equipment connected to the network.
     
     
2. Segment the network
   
   
   • Separate IT and OT systems using firewalls and virtual LANs (VLANs).
     
     
   • Block unnecessary traffic between zones.
     
     
   • Use DMZs to isolate data flows between plant floor systems and enterprise apps.
     
     
3. Apply least privilege access
   
   
   • Restrict access based on roles, no shared logins or admin-by-default accounts.
     
     
   • Limit remote access tools and enforce multi-factor authentication.
     
     
   • Disable unused ports and protocols on OT devices.
     
     
4. Baseline normal behavior
   
   
   • Monitor traffic and operations to identify what “normal” looks like.
     
     
   • Use this baseline to detect anomalies like unusual data spikes, new devices, or rogue connections.
     
     
5. Log and alert
   
   
   • Set up logging on all critical systems.
     
     
   • Send logs to a central SIEM or OT-specific monitoring tool for real-time alerts.
     
     
   • Regularly review alerts for accuracy and relevance.
     
     

Integrate IT and OT security teams

Security often breaks down due to silos. IT manages firewalls and antivirus. OT manages machines and uptime. But without shared visibility, gaps appear.

• Align both teams on shared goals: uptime, safety, and risk reduction.
• Conduct joint reviews of system architecture, access controls, and vulnerabilities.
• Create a cross-functional incident response plan that accounts for both environments.

When IT and OT teams collaborate, it's easier to detect threats, respond faster, and reduce the chances of conflicting changes that cause downtime.

Work with vendors and MSPs: Secure your supply chain

Third-party vendors often have remote access to your systems, or manage them outright. That access introduces risk.

• Require vendors and managed service providers (MSPs) to follow your security policies.
• Use time-limited, audited access for remote sessions.
• Validate that vendor software updates are signed and verified.
• Maintain an updated list of third-party access points and revoke credentials when contracts end.

Weaknesses in vendor controls can be an open door. Secure supply chain practices are part of a complete OT security program.

Incident response planning for OT systems

Most incident response plans are built for IT. But in OT, restoring operations isn’t just about recovering data, it’s about keeping people and equipment safe.

• Define what a security incident looks like in an OT environment (e.g., a PLC being reprogrammed outside of scheduled maintenance).
• Train plant staff on how to report issues. Don’t rely only on IT teams to notice.
• Develop recovery procedures for each type of system. You may not be able to reimage a controller like you would a laptop.
• Run tabletop exercises with IT, OT, and leadership teams involved.

A fast, coordinated response can prevent hours, or days, of downtime.

Effective manufacturing cybersecurity requires purpose-built controls for OT and ICS environments. Start with visibility, build segmentation, and align your teams and vendors around a clear security plan.

Compliance Made Practical: What Mid-Sized Manufacturers Need to Know

For mid-sized manufacturers, cybersecurity compliance can feel like a moving target. But ignoring it risks more than fines, it can cost you contracts, revenue, and customer trust.

You don’t need to build an enterprise-scale program. You do need a clear plan, aligned to your size, industry, and exposure.

Who enforces cybersecurity compliance?

Several agencies and industry bodies may require your organization to meet cybersecurity standards:

• Department of Defense (DoD)
  If you’re part of the defense supply chain, you must comply with NIST SP 800-171 and prepare for CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification).
• Federal contractors and grant recipients
  Must follow FAR/DFARS rules and often NIST-based frameworks.
• Customers in regulated industries
  Large OEMs may require ISO 27001, ISA/IEC 62443, or custom security assessments to qualify as a vendor.
• State and federal privacy laws
  Regulations like CCPA, NYDFS, and others may apply if you store sensitive personal or financial data.

Even if you’re not directly regulated, you may be indirectly affected through contract terms, audits, or insurance requirements.

What happens if you’re not compliant?

Failure to comply can lead to:

• Loss of contracts – Government or enterprise customers may disqualify your bids.
• Increased liability – Without documented controls, you may be considered negligent in the event of a breach.
• Insurance issues – Claims may be denied if you haven’t followed your own security policies.
• Fines or investigations – Especially if customer or employee data is exposed.

Many small and mid-sized firms assume they’re under the radar. In reality, they’re seen as the soft entry point in supply chains.

Budgeting for cybersecurity in lean operations

You don’t need a large team or seven-figure budget. You need clear priorities and smart use of resources.

Start with:

• Risk assessment – Know where your biggest exposures are.
• Access controls – Enforce least privilege and multi-factor authentication.
• Backups – Regular, tested, and isolated from your primary network.
• Endpoint protection – Antivirus and monitoring tools for all devices.
• User training – Basic phishing and access hygiene reduce most incidents.

Build a roadmap that fits your environment. Phase in improvements. Document what’s in place and what’s planned. That’s often enough to show good-faith effort in audits or legal reviews.

Cyber insurance and legal considerations

Cyber insurance can help mitigate financial losses after a breach, but policies are tightening.

• Insurers often require documented controls like MFA, backups, and patching.
• Premiums increase if you can’t show compliance or if you’ve had prior incidents.
• Not all policies cover OT-related losses or reputational damage.

Review policies with a broker who understands manufacturing risk. Make sure your incident response plan aligns with coverage requirements.

Also review your contracts. Many include liability clauses tied to data breaches or service disruption. If you’re not following a recognized security framework, you may have limited legal protection.

Compliance isn’t about checking boxes, it’s about protecting your ability to operate and grow. Start small, stay consistent, and align with the frameworks that match your customer base and industry.

Cybersecurity as a Competitive Advantage

For manufacturers, cybersecurity isn't just about defense. It’s a strategic asset. Buyers, partners, and regulators are all looking at how you manage security. If you can show control, you stand out. If you can’t, you risk getting cut out of deals.

Modern manufacturing operations depend on trust, between you, your customers, and your suppliers. That trust depends on your ability to protect data, prevent downtime, and prove compliance.

Customer trust and supplier reputation

OEMs and enterprise buyers expect their partners to take cybersecurity seriously. They're no longer just asking about quality or pricing, they’re checking whether your systems are secure.

• One breach can erode years of trust.
• Security questionnaires are now standard in vendor onboarding.
• Failing to meet basic security standards can disqualify your business before the first meeting.

When you can show documented processes, managed risk, and zero incidents, you're seen as a reliable partner.

RFP requirements and compliance scoring

Security is baked into procurement. RFPs often include:

• Compliance with NIST 800-171, CMMC, or ISO 27001
• Proof of security controls, policies, and access management
• Cyber insurance coverage and incident response capabilities

These aren't optional checkboxes. Strong security posture boosts your scores and helps you compete for high-value contracts, especially in regulated industries like defense, automotive, and aerospace.

Case study: How RCO Sales eliminated downtime and compliance risk with Securafy

RCO Sales, a manufacturing rep firm in Medina, OH, faced growing pressure to protect sensitive data and meet compliance standards. Their internal IT setup didn’t provide the control or visibility needed to manage risk across users and vendors.

Without in-house IT leadership, they turned to Securafy for a full-stack solution: managed IT, cybersecurity, compliance support, and strategic guidance.

Results after partnering with Securafy:

• 98.7% average monthly uptime
• 100+ hours of downtime eliminated in the first year
• 0 security incidents or compliance failures
• 2.8x ROI on IT and operational productivity

Securafy delivered secure access for remote teams, structured vendor controls, and ongoing oversight, all without the cost of a full-time IT director.

“We stopped worrying about vendor breaches, employee data loss, and compliance risks. The biggest benefit? Peace of mind.”

- Brandt C., General Manager & VP, RCO Sales

Today, RCO Sales operates with confidence. Their leadership can focus on growth, not technical fire drills or audit stress.

For mid-sized manufacturers, cybersecurity can be a difference-maker. It protects your operations, and positions you to win work in competitive markets.

Securafy’s Cybersecurity Services for Manufacturing

Manufacturers operate in high-pressure environments, tight production windows, complex supply chains, and increasing compliance demands. Cyberattacks, system failures, or vendor risks can shut down your lines fast. Securafy helps you prevent that.

We deliver cybersecurity and IT solutions designed specifically for the manufacturing sector. Our services protect your plant floor, secure your data, and support compliance across industries like automotive, plastics, food production, and heavy equipment.

Here’s how we help manufacturers stay secure and competitive:

OT network assessments

Operational Technology (OT) systems can’t be secured like traditional IT. We conduct plant-wide assessments to map your assets, identify gaps, and flag vulnerable control systems.

What we look for:

• Legacy PLCs and unpatched devices
  
  
• Flat networks with no segmentation
  
  
• Remote access exposure
  
  
• Weak authentication across HMI, SCADA, or MES systems

You get a clear view of your OT environment, and a prioritized roadmap to secure it.

ISA/IEC 62443 compliance consulting

Most industrial equipment wasn’t built with cybersecurity in mind. We help manufacturers align with ISA/IEC 62443, the global standard for industrial automation and control systems.

Our team works with your operations and engineering staff to:

• Segment control zones and conduits
  
  
• Assign appropriate security levels
  
  
• Align vendor equipment with system requirements
  
  
• Document roles, responsibilities, and response plans

This framework brings structure and control to complex industrial environments.

NIST/ISO gap assessments

Whether you need to meet NIST 800-171, CMMC 2.0, or ISO 27001, we help you identify where you stand, and what needs work.

What we deliver:

• Gap analysis with practical remediation steps
  
  
• Policy development and control mapping
  
  
• Audit prep and document review
  
  
• Crosswalk between NIST, ISO, and your operational goals

If you’re facing an upcoming audit or customer request, we can help you get ready fast, and stay ready over time.

Endpoint and network protection for plant floors

Most threats start small: an infected laptop, an unsecured USB drive, a third-party connection left open too long. We secure your endpoints, workstations, and plant networks with:

• Managed antivirus and EDR (endpoint detection and response)
  
  
• Firewall configuration and monitoring
  
  
• Role-based access control for shared machines
  
  
• Blocking unauthorized external storage and ports

These controls stop threats before they reach your production systems.

Remote monitoring & incident response

Your team shouldn’t have to detect or respond to cyber threats alone. We provide:

• 24/7 network monitoring with alerts on unusual behavior
  
  
• Log collection from OT and IT systems
  
  
• Fast, coordinated response to confirmed threats
  
  
• Recovery planning that includes plant floor systems

Our response team works with your staff to contain threats quickly and keep operations online.

Securafy supports manufacturers across Ohio with tailored cybersecurity services, whether you're running CNC machines in Medina, bottling lines in Columbus, or robotics in Toledo. From compliance to uptime protection, we help you reduce risk and focus on production.

FAQs: Manufacturing Cybersecurity

1. What’s the difference between IT and OT cybersecurity?

IT cybersecurity protects data systems like email, file servers, and cloud apps. OT cybersecurity protects physical equipment and control systems like PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA. The main difference: IT focuses on data confidentiality; OT focuses on uptime and safety.

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2. Do small manufacturers need to comply with ISA/IEC 62443?

If you're part of a supply chain that includes regulated industries, yes. Even if you’re not directly required, aligning with ISA/IEC 62443 strengthens your security posture and improves vendor trust.

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3. Can you use ISO 27001 and NIST together?

Yes. Many manufacturers adopt NIST for risk management and ISO 27001 for structured information security governance. The two can complement each other, especially when OT and IT teams work together.

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4. How much should manufacturers budget for cybersecurity?

There’s no fixed number. A common range is 3–6% of IT spend, but this depends on your size, risk exposure, and compliance needs. Start with a risk assessment and build from there.

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5. What is the role of MSPs in OT security?

A Managed Service Provider (MSP) like Securafy can:

• Monitor OT networks
• Manage patching and access controls
• Respond to incidents
• Support compliance and documentation

MSPs fill the gaps when internal resources are limited or overextended.

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6. Is cybersecurity only needed for internet-connected devices?

No. Even “air-gapped” systems can be compromised through USBs, vendor laptops, or misconfigured firewalls. Many industrial breaches start from inside the network.

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7. Are legacy systems a cybersecurity risk?

Yes. Older OT systems often run unsupported software, lack encryption, and can’t be patched easily. These are prime targets for attackers looking for weak entry points.

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8. What’s the first step in building a cybersecurity program?

Start with an asset inventory. You can’t protect what you don’t know you have. From there, focus on segmentation, access controls, and user training.

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9. How does cybersecurity affect RFPs and vendor qualification?

Many RFPs now include sections on cybersecurity. If you can’t show basic controls, like MFA, documented policies, or compliance frameworks, you may lose contracts.

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10. Can one ransomware attack shut down a production line?

Yes. If ransomware hits a system that supports scheduling, sensors, or controllers, it can halt production. That’s why backup, segmentation, and endpoint protection matter.

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11. Do manufacturers need cyber insurance?

Yes, especially if you hold sensitive data or serve regulated customers. But insurance alone doesn’t protect operations. Most policies require that basic controls are in place.

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12. How often should manufacturers run vulnerability assessments?

At least once a year, or after any major system change. Continuous monitoring is recommended for high-risk environments or those with compliance requirements.

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13. What is CMMC, and does it apply to me?

CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) applies to manufacturers in the DoD supply chain. If you handle controlled unclassified information (CUI), you must comply.

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14. Can cybersecurity be outsourced completely?

You can outsource operations, monitoring, and strategy. But leadership still owns the risk. You’ll need to be involved in policy decisions, incident response, and compliance sign-off.

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15. Is user training really necessary for manufacturing teams?

Yes. Many breaches start with human error, clicking links, reusing passwords, or misconfiguring access. Even a basic training program can reduce your risk significantly.

Why Cybersecurity is Now a Core Part of Manufacturing Operations

For manufacturers, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, it’s a core part of operational stability and business continuity. Downtime, data loss, and compliance failures have real costs. Lost production. Canceled contracts. Damaged supplier relationships.

General IT providers aren’t built for this. They focus on office networks and help desk tickets. But securing a manufacturing environment is different. You’re managing industrial controls, legacy systems, remote vendors, and production deadlines. One misstep doesn’t just delay an email, it can stop an entire line.

Whether you're running CNC machines, robotics, or ERP-driven operations, the objective is the same: keep your systems running, keep your data protected, and stay compliant without slowing production.

At Securafy, we help manufacturers do exactly that.

We deliver cybersecurity and managed IT solutions purpose-built for plant environments, tailored to your equipment, compliance needs, and resource constraints. From small fabrication shops to multi-site operations, we help teams:

• Map and secure OT networks
  
  
• Prepare for audits and meet NIST or ISO standards
  
  
• Reduce vendor risk and shadow IT
  
  
• Support internal IT with strategic, co-managed services
  
  
• Prevent downtime with proactive monitoring and response

We focus on what matters most: production continuity, data integrity, and long-term security that fits your workflows.