By Brian Van Vleet, Rockwell Automation

With the increasing adoption of AI, robotics and automation, modern control systems of sortation and processing equipment are in the crosshairs of highly motivated individuals who exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks and software for financial or political gain. Distribution and fulfillment operations need an especially heightened awareness due to their key role in the global supply chain. Meanwhile, modern Operational Technology (OT) systems are connecting to the outside world at an exponential pace, increasing operational risk with a constantly expanding attack surface. Even well-intentioned actions can mistakenly impact network availability, interrupt operations, and compromise productivity.

Organizations need a comprehensive, unified IT/OT cyber risk management program accounting for security risk before, during, and after a potential cyber event. Critical programmatic elements include, but are not limited to:

• Asset Inventory / Installed Base Analysis
• Vulnerability & Risk Management
• Qualified Patch Management
• Cybersecurity Policy Development
• Endpoint Protection
• Policy & Procedural Development
• Perimeter Hardening & Microsegmentation
• Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) & Secure Remote Access
• Real-time Threat Detection
• Disaster Recover & Incident Response Planning

The best approach is risk-based in alignment with industry best practices (NIST CSF, NIST 800-82, ISA/IEC 62443, ISO 27001, etc.) with complete organizational adoption. Unfortunately, even the most sophisticated organizations find themselves resource-constrained to manage every facet of IT/OT cybersecurity. It is critical to build an ecosystem of trusted experts and partners by your side to extend your protection against known and unknown security threats.

In this interactive session for all supply chain professionals, we will review the people, processes, and technologies leveraged to secure the most critical assets in your operations. We will also review Defense-in-Depth strategies and specific tactics that your organization can take to improve your overall security posture. Finally, we will outline the emerging Managed Security Services leading the industry in data-driven cyber protection and response so that you can have confidence running a world-class IT/OT cybersecurity program.

Register for this virtual event coming up on October 17th at noon Eastern!

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. Learn more about Rockwell Automation’s Industrial Cybersecurity Solutions today.

Sedlak is an end-to-end supply chain advisory firm specializing in distribution and logistics. We combine people, process and technology to develop independent, actionable solutions that deliver consistent performance and drive competitive advantage. Sedlak offers experienced, trustworthy professionals who learn your unique business, mitigate risk, and increase efficiencies and profitability. Learn more at www.jasedlak.com.