E43 | Sheldon Speers on Operational Technology Security | Made In Iowa

Manufacturing is now the most-hacked industry, and the risks extend far beyond office computers. Leisa Fox talks with Sheldon Speers, president and founder of Tenax Solutions, about protecting operational technology, or OT, including the systems and equipment that keep production lines running. With 61 percent of attacks involving a third party such as a vendor, supplier or service provider, manufacturers must consider the security of every organization connected to their operations. Cyber insurance companies are also requiring stronger protections, but as Sheldon explains, cybersecurity is more than a compliance exercise. It is simply the right thing to do to protect employees, customers, production and the future of the business.

Artificial intelligence is making cyberattacks faster and easier to execute, giving criminals the ability to identify and exploit vulnerabilities at unprecedented speed. That makes regular patching, system monitoring and advance planning more critical than ever. Sheldon examines the ransomware attack on Asahi Group, which disrupted production and contributed to an estimated $61 million loss, as a powerful example of how a technology failure can quickly become an operational and financial crisis. This conversation gives Iowa manufacturers a clear message: protecting operational technology is essential to keeping production moving and the business resilient.

Presenting sponsor: ⁨‪Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield https://wellmark.com/MadeinIowa

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