In 2019, the manufacturing sector reached the top 10 status as the 8th most targeted industry by cyberattackers. The problem increased in 2020 when many companies were forced to depend on remote workers due to pandemic restrictions. Cyberhackers were ready to take advantage of this opportunity. The manufacturing industry moved from the 8th most targeted industry by cyberattackers to number 2, falling behind only finance and insurance.
As Cybersecurity Awareness Month draws to a close, we would like to share the work that we have completed with GP:50 as an example of the resources that we have available to help combat this threat. For more information on cybersecurity standards, please contact Ryan Case (rcase@insyte-consulting.com) or Dave Hanitz (dhanitz@insyte-consulting.com).
Read more on our blog here: “Manufacturers, Are You Certified to the New DOD Cybersecurity Standard?”
GP:50 NY Ltd. (GP:50) is a manufacturer of pressure, temperature and level sensors. Founded in 1986, the company remains a privately held, family run business. The company recently invested in a 11,000 sq. ft. facility expansion including new equipment and an enterprise management system to accommodate their growth in the defense and aerospace market.
SITUATION
GP:50 recognized the company had an opportunity to further expand their business within the defense and aerospace industries. One hurdle the company immediately recognized they had to overcome was a potential customer’s contractual requirement that the prospective supplier must be working toward compliance to the NIST 800-171 Cybersecurity Standard. This standard was developed by the Federal Government to protect classified uncontrolled information which suppliers must have access to in order to make the products to specifications.
SOLUTION
GP:50 partnered with Insyte Consulting to assess the strength of the company’s information technology environment, the readiness of the entity and it employees when operating in the digital workspace, and most significantly, identify the gaps and vulnerabilities, so they can be properly mitigated. Insyte was able to leverage a National Grid Manufacturing Productivity Program Grant to offset a sizeable portion of the project cost.
Insyte conducted a comprehensive assessment of the physical, technical, and administrative aspects of GP:50, ranked the findings based on severity, and provided a comprehensive plan of action for mitigating each of the findings in order of priority and severity. Improvements were implemented by the company project team and they are now prepared for growth.
“This project made it possible for us to protect our business, our customer’s critical information, and our employees’ livelihoods. As a result, we have new opportunities available to us that we could not previously have vied for. Completing this assessment was a significant milestone for our company. Insyte continues to be a valued partner; our expectations were surpassed.”
Robert Atwood, VP COO
