This leading U.S.-based automotive manufacturer, recognized globally for its commitment to innovation and quality, faces growing cyber threats as the automotive industry becomes an increasing target.
In recent years, ransomware attacks have surged across the sector, with damages spiking from $74.7 million in 2021 to $209.6 million by mid-2023. By early 2024, the estimated global impact reached an astounding $920 billion, affecting over 400 companies in the automotive space. These figures underscore the urgent need for robust cybersecurity solutions to protect both manufacturing processes and vehicle systems.
To address these rising threats, this manufacturer encountered a pressing challenge: securing data transfers involving peripheral and removable media in their complex production environment. Their previous security solution, hampered by a single-engine setup and frequent malfunctions due to debris exposure, created costly downtime and exposed critical systems to risk.
Our old solution left us exposed to new, more sophisticated threats, creating vulnerabilities in an already high-stakes environment. They also did not understand what is required in an operational environment. The hardware could not hold up in our more industrial areas.
Cybersecurity Manager
Turning to OPSWAT’s MetaDefender Kiosk, they found a solution designed for their environment.
Now a key component of their cybersecurity framework, MetaDefender Kiosk enables this automotive leader to safeguard their critical infrastructure against malware threats, preserving both security and operational efficiency essential to their legacy of trusted innovation.
Addressing Security Gaps in Production Environments
Before adopting OPSWAT’s MetaDefender Kiosk, the manufacturer struggled with several issues stemming from their outdated solution:
- Limited Threat Detection: The previous solution’s single antivirus engine left the organization vulnerable to various advanced threats.
- Frequent Failures: Exposure to dust and debris in their production facilities caused repeated breakdowns, resulting in unexpected downtime.
- Slow Scanning Times: The sluggish performance of their old solution caused delays, hampering productivity and efficiency.
Enhancing Security and Efficiency with OPSWAT’s MetaDefender Kiosk
OPSWAT’s MetaDefender Kiosk resolved the manufacturer’s security challenges and delivered additional, valuable benefits:
- Durable Design: Purpose-built for hazardous environments, MetaDefender Kiosk significantly reduces failure rates, leading to fewer interruptions and maintenance needs.
- Multi-Engine Scanning Capabilities: Equipped with MetaScan Multiscanning technology, the solution offers unparalleled detection of both known and emerging threats.
- Optimized for Speed: High-speed scans allow the manufacturer to secure incoming media quickly, preventing disruptions to their critical workflows.
- Streamlined Process: Integrating MetaDefender Kiosk with their visitor management has improved both their operational efficiency and security maturity
- Enhanced Threat Prevention: By integrating Deep CDR technology and Proactive DLP, the Kiosk not only sanitizes files to remove hidden threats but also ensures sensitive information remains secure.
Additionally, the MetaDefender Kiosk was branded with the company colors and logo. This was said to "help to create a strong culture of cybersecurity" Informing any visitors to the site that cybersecurity was taken seriously with the strong physical presence of the MetaDefender Kiosk In all entryways, lobbies, and critical process areas.
A Tailored Solution for Secure Removable Media Handling
MetaDefender Kiosk offers advanced security for scanning removable media and external devices, with features built to withstand harsh and hazardous environments. The manufacturer deployed the solution to scan USB drives and other media brought into their secure production areas, ensuring no malicious content enters their network.
We feel reassured knowing that hidden threats are neutralized before they reach our production systems.
Cybersecurity Manager
For this global automotive manufacturer, a secure and resilient solution for media scanning was essential due to three primary factors:
- Rugged Design: MetaDefender Kiosk is built to resist debris and withstand harsh industrial conditions, ensuring consistent operation without frequent maintenance or repairs.
- Multi-Layered Threat Detection: Leveraging OPSWAT’s MetaScan Multiscanning technology, the solution uses up to 30 leading antivirus engines to detect threats more effectively than their previous single-engine approach.
- Fast and Reliable Performance: The Kiosk’s high-speed scanning ensures that operational efficiency isn’t compromised, allowing employees to quickly secure and validate media without disrupting production.
With the adoption of OPSWAT’s MetaDefender Kiosk, this global automotive manufacturing giant achieved their goal of a more reliable and enforceable security program for peripheral and removable media. The rugged, debris-resistant design of the Kiosk, combined with OPSWAT’s advanced threat detection technologies, has optimized their operations and secured their critical systems. The added bonus of visitor management within the Kiosk has allowed teams to focus more on their core competencies and less on managing those who arrive at the site and helping them to sanitize their media.
Speed has been a game-changer for us. The Kiosk scans media swiftly, allowing us to secure our production assets without compromising on time.
Cybersecurity Manager
By bridging the gap between efficiency and security, OPSWAT’s MetaDefender Kiosk helped them maintain their commitment to operational resilience while safeguarding their production environment.
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