“Cybersecurity protection is an absolute necessity, not a mere option,” asserted Matt Fordenwalt during his impactful keynote at Automation Fair held this week in sunny Anaheim, California. “The merging of IT and operational technology (OT) networks heightens the risk landscape significantly,” emphasized the senior vice president of lifecycle services at Rockwell Automation. “A startling number of us are unaware of the full spectrum of assets we possess within our manufacturing facilities.”
Fordenwalt further elaborated that Rockwell adopts a highly considered approach to the implementation of IT security measures within OT environments. “Rather than producing generic security products, we focus on developing inherently secure products. Our philosophy hinges on a systems-level mindset that integrates specialized domain expertise,” he explained.
To assist consumer goods powerhouse Church & Dwight in mitigating potential network disruptions, Rockwell’s dedicated cybersecurity team organized comprehensive training sessions right at their facilities, fostering enhanced threat intelligence capabilities. “This initiative was made feasible through our extensive industry experience accumulated over decades,” remarked Fordenwalt. “The outcome of this collaboration was a newfound visibility across all operational sites, providing valuable insights into the overall environment.”
Fordenwalt observed that many organizations are burdened with an extensive array of assets that were developed piecemeal through successive capital projects. “Identifying and addressing points of vulnerability necessitates a systems-level methodology coupled with a push for simplification,” he articulated. “By implementing IT security measures within OT frameworks, we are crafting tools designed to streamline security management.” He went on to indicate, “Our acquisition of Verve last year enables us to scrutinize all connected assets found across the shop floor. When combined with robust partnerships with Fortinet and Claroty, we offer a comprehensive arsenal of security solutions.”
“Facilities undergo countless transformations over time, and very few of us can claim to have immaculate architectures,” Fordenwalt elucidated. “The question then becomes: how can we securely integrate systems of varying generations?”
Kalypso, the digital consulting firm that Rockwell Automation acquired in 2020, stands ready to guide manufacturers through these intricate challenges. “Their expertise in industry and domain knowledge is invaluable,” Fordenwalt added. “For example, Michelin teamed up with us to develop sophisticated algorithms aimed at enhancing the tire value chain. Beneath these algorithms lies a robust data framework, which is unlocking substantial latent value in the data they already possess.”
Fordenwalt concluded by highlighting the immense opportunities presented by enterprise-wide connectivity and visibility. “By laying down a secure, organization-wide data foundation, we are striving to bolster operational productivity and resilience,” he stated. “Our ongoing goal is to streamline the user experience across the entirety of the operational lifecycle.”
How can organizations effectively foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness among employees in manufacturing settings?
**Interview with Matt Fordenwalt, Senior Vice President of Lifecycle Services at Rockwell Automation**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Matt. You recently delivered a keynote speech at Automation Fair in Anaheim where you underscored the critical importance of cybersecurity. Can you expand on why you believe that “cybersecurity protection is an absolute necessity, not a mere option”?
**Matt Fordenwalt:** Absolutely. In today’s landscape, the integration of IT and operational technology (OT) networks has significantly increased the risk of cyber threats. Many organizations are still somewhat unaware of the full spectrum of assets they manage within their manufacturing sites, which makes them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Without robust cybersecurity measures, organizations expose themselves to substantial risks, including operational disruptions, data breaches, and potential harm to their reputations.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the need for a tailored approach to cybersecurity in OT environments. Can you elaborate on Rockwell Automation’s philosophy in this regard?
**Matt Fordenwalt:** Certainly. Unlike many providers who churn out generic security products, we focus on developing inherently secure products from the ground up. Our approach is deeply rooted in a systems-level mindset, which allows us to integrate specialized domain expertise into our security measures. This ensures that our solutions are not only effective but also contextualized to the unique challenges faced in OT environments.
**Interviewer:** It’s interesting that you highlighted your collaboration with Church & Dwight. Can you tell us how Rockwell’s cybersecurity team helped them enhance their threat intelligence capabilities?
**Matt Fordenwalt:** For Church & Dwight, we organized comprehensive training sessions right at their facilities. This hands-on approach helped cultivate a stronger understanding of potential threats among their employees and fostered a culture of cybersecurity awareness. Our extensive industry experience allowed us to tailor these sessions effectively, leading to improved visibility across all their operational sites. As a result, they’ve gained valuable insights into their overall security posture.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a critical initiative that can have a lasting impact. What challenges do you see that organizations face today regarding cybersecurity in manufacturing?
**Matt Fordenwalt:** Many organizations struggle with the sheer complexity of their environments, often managing a plethora of assets without complete visibility. This lack of awareness can hinder effective risk management and response strategies. Additionally, there’s a general lag in adopting comprehensive cybersecurity practices compared to other sectors, which can lead to outdated defenses against emerging threats. It’s crucial for companies to prioritize cybersecurity investment to keep pace with evolving risks.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing these insights, Matt. It’s clear that fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness is essential for the modern manufacturing environment.
**Matt Fordenwalt:** Thank you for having me. I believe with continued focus and adaptation, organizations can significantly bolster their defenses against cyber threats. Cybersecurity is indeed a journey, not a destination.