Product Security for Mission-Critical Products: Ensuring Cyber Resilience with HiQ

Client: A leading supplier of connected products for manufacturing companies
Industry: Industrial Automation & Manufacturing
Solution Area: Cybersecurity for Industrial Automation

The Challenge: Securing Mission-Critical Systems

The customer supplies connected products directly integrated into production lines of manufacturing companies. These systems are mission-critical, meaning any downtime caused by cyberattacks can result in:

• Prohibitive costs due to halted production.
• Safety risks for workers on the factory floor.

In today’s manufacturing landscape, where cyber threats are increasingly sophisticated, ensuring the security of industrial automation systems is essential. The customer required a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy to protect their systems, comply with industry standards, and enhance overall resilience.

The Solution: Adherence to IEC 62443 for Industrial Security

HiQ partnered with the customer to provide operational, tactical, and strategic support for their cybersecurity initiatives. The engagement focuses on implementing IEC 62443, a global standard for securing industrial automation and control systems.

Key Contributions:

1. Comprehensive Cybersecurity Assessment: HiQ conducted a thorough evaluation of the customer’s existing security environment to identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement.
2. Key Security Initiatives: HiQ executed initiatives to strengthen the customer’s cybersecurity posture, including advanced protective measures for connected products.
3. Incident Response Protocols: Defined and documented incident response procedures to ensure rapid and effective action in the event of a cyberattack.
4. Compliance with Standards: Provided detailed guidance on meeting IEC 62443 requirements, ensuring the customer’s systems adhere to the latest industrial cybersecurity frameworks.

By deploying a dedicated team of cybersecurity experts, HiQ ensured a seamless implementation of security measures tailored to the customer’s unique challenges.

Results: Enhanced Security and Resilience

HiQ’s collaboration has yielded substantial improvements:

• Robust Security Framework: The customer’s products now operate within a secure environment, minimizing the risk of downtime and safety incidents.
• IEC 62443 Compliance: The customer achieved compliance with industry standards, ensuring their systems meet global benchmarks for industrial automation security.
• Operational Resilience: Incident response protocols and enhanced security measures have strengthened the customer’s ability to handle evolving cyber threats.

This partnership has not only improved the customer’s security posture but also instilled confidence in their ability to deliver reliable, mission-critical products to their manufacturing partners.

HiQ’s Role: Cybersecurity Expertise for Industrial Systems

HiQ provided end-to-end support, from assessment to implementation, ensuring the customer’s systems are both secure and compliant. Contributions included:

Continuous Support: Ensuring ongoing resilience through regular updates and improvements.

Strategic Guidance: Helping the customer navigate the complexities of industrial cybersecurity standards.

Technical Implementation: Delivering robust solutions tailored to the unique needs of mission-critical systems.

HiQ’s Edge: Industry-Specific Security Expertise

With extensive experience working with industrial clients, HiQ combines technical knowledge with deep insights into the specific challenges of securing mission-critical products. By adhering to industry standards and delivering customized solutions, HiQ ensures its partners can operate securely and efficiently in an ever-changing threat landscape.