Impress Computers: Strengthening Cybersecurity for the Chemical Industry

Chemical companies are prime targets for cybercriminals. However, by implementing strong foundational security controls, these companies can prevent or minimize the damage from various cyber threats. Impress Computers, a trusted IT service provider, is at the forefront of helping the chemical process industries (CPI) safeguard their operations against an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

 

The Cybersecurity Threat Landscape for Chemical Companies

The CPI sector faces numerous cybersecurity threats from state-sponsored entities, business competitors, and cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. The increased interconnectedness between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems, along with the rise of remote connectivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has further exposed these vulnerabilities. Impress Computers understands these challenges and offers robust solutions to protect intellectual property, technology licenses, and high-risk substance production.

High Stakes in the Chemical Industry

Cyberattacks can have severe financial and reputational consequences for chemical companies. A recent study by the U.K. government estimated that cyberattacks cost the chemical industry £1.3 billion annually. These threats range from generic attacks affecting both IT and OT systems to sophisticated malware designed to infiltrate specific targets.

Industrial espionage, which involves stealing valuable intellectual property and selling it to competitors, is a significant concern for the CPI. Ransomware attacks, like the notorious Colonial Pipeline incident, where production was halted to extort money, are also on the rise. Impress Computers provides comprehensive cybersecurity solutions to mitigate these risks and safeguard your operations.

Building a Strong Cybersecurity Foundation

The key to preventing cyber threats is implementing effective foundational security controls. Impress Computers begins by conducting a thorough threat assessment to understand each client’s unique cybersecurity risks. This assessment helps determine the likelihood and potential impact of a cyberattack on the business.

Foundational cybersecurity involves central controls that all industrial systems should have to prevent cyberattacks or limit their damage. These controls include patching, malware protection, system backups, and up-to-date antivirus systems. Additional measures, such as application whitelisting and asset inventory, help companies understand their system setup and identify potential threats.

Mitigating Cybersecurity Risks with Impress Computers

Impress Computers employs a proactive approach to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks. The company’s cybersecurity solutions include:

  • Segmentation: Separating critical processes or data within the chemical plant to prevent unauthorized access and reduce the impact of a potential breach.
  • Security Controls and Compliance: Implementing security controls that comply with international best practices and standards, such as NIST and operational guidance from regulatory bodies.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Providing real-time monitoring and threat detection to ensure a secure operational environment.

The Digital Journey and Cybersecurity

As chemical companies continue their digital transformation journey, partnering with a trusted cybersecurity provider like Impress Computers is crucial. The company’s expertise in industrial digitalization and cybersecurity ensures that clients are equipped with the right tools and strategies to protect their operations.

Impress Computers emphasizes the importance of integrating security controls with detection capabilities and security operations. By implementing system backups, patches, and malware protection, companies can effectively monitor and respond to potential threats. The company’s cybersecurity solutions also include default minimum foundational security requirements, which serve as the “seatbelts and airbags” of any industrial system.

Embracing Digital Solutions in the Wake of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital solutions in the chemical industry, including cybersecurity measures. Impress Computers offers remote assessments and dedicated platforms to enhance interaction between remote experts and field personnel. This approach ensures that chemical companies can maintain robust cybersecurity measures even in challenging times.

Conclusion

Chemical companies that prioritize cybersecurity can avoid the theft of intellectual property and prevent potentially disastrous shutdowns. Impress Computers provides an integrated, operation-wide cybersecurity solution with solid foundational controls and a secure distributed control system (DCS) at its core. By partnering with Impress Computers, chemical companies can identify threats, automate compliance, and thwart cyberattacks, ensuring a secure and resilient digital infrastructure.

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