Case Study: How CIS CYAttack (Automated Penetration Testing) Solution Helped a UK Manufacturing Organisation

Improving Cyber Security in the Manufacturing Sector

Introduction

In a landscape where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, the need for robust cyber security measures in the manufacturing sector has never been more critical. This case study explores how a UK-based manufacturing organisation leveraged CIS CYAttack’s innovative penetration testing solution to enhance its security posture and mitigate risks.

Industry Challenges

The UK manufacturing industry faced a significant increase in cyber attacks in 2024, with an estimated 70% of companies experiencing some form of cyber breach. The attacks ranged from ransomware to data breaches, causing substantial financial and reputational damage. Traditional penetration testing methods were often insufficient, plagued by scheduling difficulties, high costs, and lack of real-time insights.

Regular penetration testing is crucial for manufacturing organisations due to the evolving nature of cyber threats. The manufacturing sector is often targeted by cyber criminals because of its reliance on automation and interconnected systems, which can be vulnerable to attacks. Penetration testing helps identify and fix security vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them, ensuring the integrity and availability of critical production systems. Additionally, with the increasing adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, the attack surface expands, making it imperative to have a proactive approach to cyber security. Regular testing not only protects sensitive data and intellectual property but also ensures compliance with industry regulations and standards, safeguarding the organisation’s reputation and financial stability.

The Solution: CIS CYAttack

To address these challenges, the manufacturing organisation adopted the CIS CYAttack automated penetration testing platform. This solution provided several key benefits:

1. Comprehensive and Consistent Testing

CYAttack enabled the organisation to conduct full-scale automated network penetration tests at any time, ensuring continuous assessment of their infrastructure. This approach allowed for up-to-the-minute identification of risks, which was crucial for staying ahead of potential threats.

2. Real-Time Notifications and Reporting

The platform’s real-time notifications and detailed reporting framework ensured that key stakeholders were always informed about the status of penetration tests and any identified vulnerabilities. This transparency facilitated swift response and remediation actions.

3. Cost-Effective and Scalable

Compared to traditional penetration tests, CYAttack offered a more cost-effective solution without compromising on quality. The automated nature of the platform allowed the organisation to perform multiple tests throughout the year without incurring significant additional costs.

4. Reports that Drive Results

CYAttack’s reporting framework is built around quality and includes comprehensive data on how risks affect the organisation, comparisons to peers, and evaluations of subsequent assessments. This ensures that organisations have a clear understanding of their security posture and areas that require improvement.

5. Real-time Status Updates

Customers receive real-time updates on the status of penetration tests, including notifications when tests start and stop. This keeps important individuals informed and allows for immediate action if alerts are triggered.

6. Flexible and Frequent Testing

CYAttack allows for penetration tests to be run at any time and frequency, providing flexibility and reducing the dependency on external scheduling constraints. This is particularly useful for meeting regulatory requirements and ensuring continuous security monitoring.

Impact on the Organisation

Since implementing CIS CYAttack, the manufacturing organisation saw a marked improvement in their cyber security posture. Key outcomes included:

–  Reduction in Vulnerabilities: The continuous testing identified and helped mitigate several high-severity vulnerabilities that could have led to breaches.

–  Enhanced Compliance: Regular penetration testing ensured that the organisation met industry regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

–  Improved Incident Response: The detailed activity logs and real-time insights provided by CYAttack enabled the organisation to refine their incident response procedures, reducing the turnaround time for detection and response.

UK Cyber Attack Statistics for 2024

The UK manufacturing sector reported a 35% increase in cyber-attacks in 2024, with ransomware and phishing being the most common types of attacks. The financial impact of these attacks was estimated at £5.2 billion. Implementing robust penetration testing like CYAttack could significantly reduce these risks by proactively identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing the overall security framework.

Comparison of Automated Penetration Testing vs. Traditional One-off Penetration Testing

Conclusion

The case study demonstrates that CIS CYAttack is an effective solution for manufacturing organisations looking to improve their cyber security posture. By providing continuous, automated penetration testing, real-time insights, and cost-effective scalability, CYAttack helps organisations mitigate risks and protect their critical assets.

Call to Action

To learn more about how CIS CYAttack can help your organisation enhance its cyber security measures, schedule a call with us today  CLICK HERE to Book a 30 Minute Discovery Call with Phil Saville 

Contact us at sales@cisltd.com or +44 1367700555.