Enterprise-Grade Cyber Security Implementation
The Challenge
Growing Threat Landscape
As a tier-one supplier to aerospace and defense industries, Precision Manufacturing became an increasingly attractive target for state-sponsored threat actors seeking intellectual property and design specifications. Traditional perimeter security was proving inadequate against sophisticated attacks, and the convergence of IT and OT systems created new vulnerabilities.
Regulatory Compliance Pressure
The company faced strict compliance requirements from CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) Level 3 standards and ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), with deadlines approaching for certification.
Operational Technology Vulnerabilities
Legacy industrial control systems and manufacturing equipment contained outdated software that couldn't be easily patched or updated without risking operational disruption. These systems were increasingly connected to IT networks, creating significant security gaps.
Our Solution
Unified Security Architecture
We designed a security architecture that bridged IT and OT environments while respecting their different operational requirements. This included implementing demilitarized zones (DMZs) between networks, data diodes for one-way information flow from sensitive systems, and a unified security monitoring platform.
Zero-Trust Implementation
Rather than relying solely on perimeter defenses, we implemented a zero-trust security model with the principle of "never trust, always verify" applied to all network requests. This included micro-segmentation, strict identity management, and least-privilege access controls.
Advanced Threat Detection
We deployed next-generation security monitoring tools that used machine learning and behavioral analysis to identify anomalous activities across IT and OT networks, providing early warning of potential security incidents.
Secure Development Practices
We introduced secure software development lifecycle (SSDLC) practices for the company's internal development team, ensuring that security was built into new applications from the ground up rather than bolted on afterward.
Our Approach
Phased Implementation Approach
Recognizing the critical nature of manufacturing operations, we developed a phased approach that minimized disruption while systematically improving security posture. Each phase included thorough testing in a staging environment before production deployment.
Cross-Functional Security Teams
We established security working groups that included IT personnel, OT engineers, production managers, and executive stakeholders. This ensured that security controls were appropriate for each environment and had buy-in from all affected departments.
Continuous Security Validation
Throughout the implementation, we conducted regular penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and security control validation to ensure that the security architecture was functioning as designed and providing effective protection.
Knowledge Transfer & Training
We developed comprehensive training programs for IT staff, OT engineers, and end users, ensuring that security awareness and technical security skills were embedded within the organization for long-term sustainability.
The Results
Quantifiable Security Improvements
Security vulnerability scanning showed an 87% reduction in critical and high vulnerabilities across IT and OT environments. The average time to detect potential security incidents decreased from 72 hours to less than 4 hours.
Business Impact
The enhanced security posture enabled Precision Manufacturing to secure contracts with strict security requirements that had previously been unattainable. This resulted in $12M of new business within 6 months of project completion.
Regulatory Compliance
The company successfully passed its CMMC Level 3 assessment with zero findings, avoiding potential contract losses and penalties for non-compliance.
Operational Resilience
Despite facing several attempted cyber attacks in the months following implementation, including a targeted ransomware campaign that affected similar manufacturers, Precision Manufacturing maintained continuous operations with zero security breaches.
Client Testimonial
"Voltek's cybersecurity implementation transformed our security posture while understanding the unique constraints of our manufacturing environment. Their approach was methodical, thorough, and caused minimal operational disruption. We now have confidence in our ability to protect our intellectual property and meet the strict security requirements of our defense clients."
Eleanor Richardson
CIO, Precision Manufacturing Co.