Good data security is critical to the continuity of an organization’s operations. New data security requirements, such as the NIS2 Directive, are putting additional pressure on companies to create sustainable practices to protect their IT environments. Cyber espionage, phishing and data leaks are becoming more common, and the increasingly popular AI is one of the fastest growing risks to corporate cybersecurity. Industrial supply chain and production OT (operational technology) networks require special attention to secure production in the face of various threats.
The damage caused by data breaches can range from exploiting small vulnerabilities to massive data leaks. The cybersecurity-related NIS 2 Directive that enters into force in 2024 will bring new requirements especially for management – failures in data security practices can, lead to personal or criminal liability in the worst case.
Companies should operate under the assumption that all information is worth protecting and of interest to outsiders. Data breaches and ransom demands can cause significant financial costs, reputational damage, and even production disruptions. No technical solution, policy or process is a 100% guarantee against threats, but with industry best practices and recommendations, stakeholders can sleep well at night and management can avoid personal liability in the event of issues.
Server data security and its controlled management provide a solid foundation for protecting your IT environment. Just as buildings are maintained, each component of a server should be inspected regularly and follow a recommended maintenance program or annual schedule.
There are many levels at which data security can be improved, from everyday policies and practices to advanced technical solutions and processes, but it all starts with a solid and secure foundation. Even simple measures can achieve a good baseline, and by taking care of these, management can demonstrate that they are meeting the basic requirements of the NIS2 Directive.
The requirements of the NIS2 Directive are particularly relevant to critical industries, and network designs in manufacturing must take into account the vulnerabilities of the OT network and the need for secure production design. The OT network should be completely separate from the rest of the factory networks and the office network. The network can be secured with network devices, network services, and network segmentation, but organizations should also have agreed-upon policies for managing the security of third-party OT hardware.
If production is running on old hardware or operating systems and software versions, security updates may not be possible. In this case, the data security of the server must be built specifically on the network solutions and the management processes that support them. In production, as in other network environments, the impact of subcontractors on data security and the security of third-party hardware and software must always be considered.
With the right preparation, the new Directives and requirements are much less of a nuisance. A trusted partner can also help you identify your needs and design effective data security policies to keep your business safe.
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