OT Security Consulting
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Strengthening OT Security Amid Rising Cyber Threats

With the rise of cyberattacks targeting factory production systems, securing Operational Technology (OT) has become more critical than ever. Cyber incidents can lead to severe disruptions, including large-scale production halts and significant reputational damage. To prevent such outcomes, organizations must comply with both industry-specific and global security standards.

With decades of hands-on experience in manufacturing and technology development, Yokogawa has built deep expertise in Operational Technology (OT), refined within our own production facilities. By combining this OT proficiency with strong IT capabilities, we deliver tailored security solutions that meet the unique needs of your operations.

 

Our OT Security Consulting Services

As OT security becomes an increasingly urgent priority across the industry, many manufacturers are seeking practical, actionable strategies to protect their operations. Yokogawa provides a comprehensive suite of consulting services—grounded in proven expertise and tailored to real-world industrial environments—to help strengthen cybersecurity across the manufacturing sector:

  • OT Security Assessment: Identify vulnerabilities and risks, and establish clear priorities based on NIST CSF 2.0.
  • Technical Support: Assist with implementing network maintenance, access control, and operational monitoring.
  • Regulatory Compliance Support: Provide end-to-end assistance from risk assessment through planning and certification.
  • Guideline Development: Create OT security guidelines tailored to actual workplace conditions.
  • Incident Response Support: Enable early detection, rapid response, and the establishment of FSIRTs.
  • Policy Development: Define operational policies and rules optimized for OT environments.
  • IT/OT SOC Implementation: Support the design, deployment, and operation of monitoring systems.
  • Global Certification Support: Assist in obtaining international certifications such as ISO/IEC 27001.

Through these offerings, Yokogawa delivers continuous and adaptable support to address customers’ evolving security challenges.

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The Importance of Building a Security Infrastructure for the Manufacturing Industry in the Era of IT–OT Integration

As smart factories continue to develop, the adoption of IoT at manufacturing sites is accelerating—bringing with it a heightened risk of cyberattacks on operational technology (OT) systems. Attacks targeting PLCs, SCADA, DCS, and other control systems can result in severe consequences, including production downtime, quality degradation, and safety hazards. Because OT environments have different operational requirements and constraints compared to IT systems, they demand specialized security strategies.

The convergence of IT and OT is further increasing connectivity with external networks, broadening potential attack surfaces. As a result, management measures such as network segmentation, isolation, and access control have become indispensable. In addition, expanding supply chains introduce new risks, where vulnerabilities in shared information or third-party systems can propagate across the entire ecosystem.

To successfully realize smart factories, it is essential to establish a robust security infrastructure that safeguards both IT and OT environments while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards.

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The Impact of Cyberattacks on OT Systems and the Importance of Security Measures

Cyberattacks on factory control systems (OT) are increasing and can threaten not only production, but also human safety and business continuity. Unauthorized access can cause equipment malfunctions, leading to production stoppages, financial losses, and even liability for damages.

In OT environments, the risks are especially severe: runaway high-temperature or high-pressure equipment and leaks of hazardous materials can cause injuries, fatalities, and harm to surrounding communities. In addition, the theft of confidential information can damage a company’s competitiveness and reputation, while unauthorized operations may lead to quality defects.

To prevent these risks, it is essential to implement OT security measures aligned with industry and international standards.

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What happens when an incident occurs?


The Importance of Building a Security Infrastructure in the Manufacturing Industry as Digital Technology Expands

As manufacturers adopt more IoT devices and increase connectivity across factory systems, the risk of cyberattacks continues to grow. To address these threats, establishing a robust and reliable security infrastructure is essential.

Effective security planning requires compliance with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Guidelines for Cyber-Physical Security Measures in Factory Systems, as well as relevant international and industry standards. This not only strengthens protection but also enhances a company’s credibility and competitiveness.

Security is not the responsibility of technical teams alone—it must involve management and the entire organization. Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and improvement are critical. With every factory now a potential target, a strong security foundation is vital for safe operations and sustainable long-term growth.


Practical Approach to Multi-Layered Security Measures in Factory Systems

Yokogawa proposes a seven-step approach to securing factory systems, based on guidance from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and key industry standards.

The process begins with establishing security policies and building a management framework. Next, all hardware and software assets are identified, and risks are assessed to understand potential threats and their impact. Technical measures such as authentication and encryption are introduced, along with physical controls like facility and equipment access management. Employee awareness is strengthened through education and training, while incident response plans and BCPs are prepared to address emergencies. Finally, ongoing operation and regular reviews are conducted using the PDCA cycle to drive continuous improvement.

By applying these layered measures, manufacturers can enhance the safety, reliability, and resilience of their OT environments.

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Yokogawa’s Security Capabilities Address Real Manufacturing-Site Needs

Security initiatives in the manufacturing industry face numerous challenges, including how to perform assessments, improve cross-department collaboration, and respond consistently across global sites. Yokogawa draws on extensive on-site experience and deep technical expertise to provide practical, effective support.

Even in environments with large numbers of devices and limited visibility, Yokogawa has the know-how to organize assets and conduct assessments efficiently. Our service framework can flexibly adapt to differences among factories and international locations.

We also assist with compliance to industry-specific standards, support the development of FSIRTs and CSIRTs, and apply our own internal experience to help resolve collaboration issues between IT and OT teams.

Through these capabilities, Yokogawa delivers practical, flexible solutions tailored to the diverse security challenges faced by modern manufacturing sites.

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Yokogawa’s Comprehensive Service Flow for OT Security Support

Yokogawa provides an end-to-end service flow that supports OT security across the entire lifecycle—from assessing the current situation to ongoing operational support. We begin with a security assessment to identify issues and use the findings to develop effective, targeted measures.

Our service flow includes the following steps, with the flexibility to provide support for individual phases as needed:

  1. Current Situation Assessment: Visualize risks through asset inventory, vulnerability diagnostics, and risk evaluation.
  2. Proposal & Design: Develop security policies, design network segmentation, and support the selection and introduction of security tools.
  3. Implementation: Deploy technical measures such as network isolation, encryption, access control, and endpoint protection.
  4. Operational Support: Build and operate SOC environments, enhance management frameworks, and strengthen monitoring through asset management tools.

With this comprehensive and adaptable approach, Yokogawa delivers practical solutions to the diverse OT security challenges facing today’s manufacturing industry.

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Yokogawa’s Track Record in Supporting Cybersecurity Across Industries

Yokogawa delivers comprehensive cybersecurity support to a wide range of industries, including manufacturing. This slide highlights several examples of our support capabilities. Our services include risk assessments (such as simulated cyberattack diagnostics), security policy development, IT/OT integrated SOC planning, deployment and monitoring of network intrusion detection systems (NIDS), and training for security personnel.

We also assist with governance enhancement, including compliance with legal and industry regulations and the establishment of FSIRT/CSIRT structures. Our experience spans multiple sectors—chemicals, petroleum, heavy industry, materials, power, communications, and general manufacturing—allowing us to provide security measures optimized for the specific characteristics of each field.

By offering practical, on-site–oriented support, Yokogawa helps organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture and build sustainable, resilient operational systems.

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Yokogawa Is Here to Support Your First Steps in OT Security

With many years of experience working directly at manufacturing sites, Yokogawa delivers security solutions that combine deep OT knowledge with strong IT expertise. As OT security becomes increasingly important, we can help address common challenges—such as not knowing where to begin, difficulties in coordinating across departments, or concerns about meeting industry standards—by leveraging our extensive experience and proven track record.

Please feel free to contact us for a consultation. Yokogawa is committed to understanding your challenges and supporting you every step of the way toward effective and reliable OT security measures.

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