CyberArk, Device Authority, and Microsoft Deliver a Game-Changer in Secure Device Authentication for Manufacturers
In an era where connected devices drive efficiency and productivity on factory floors and at the edge, manufacturers face an increasing challenge: securing a maturing digital ecosystem against sophisticated cyber threats. Now, CyberArk and Device Authority, in collaboration with Microsoft, have unveiled a comprehensive solution designed to fortify device authentication and enhance security in manufacturing environments—all underpinned by Zero Trust principles.Key Highlights of the Joint Solution
- Robust Identity Security:
- CyberArk’s Role: Employs its modern privileged access management capabilities to restrict unauthorized human access. This ensures that critical devices and systems are shielded from unauthenticated users without resorting to cumbersome, manual interventions.
- Device Authority’s Contribution: Automates the secure onboarding process, identity credentialing, and encryption for connected devices. Their KeyScaler identity security platform and KeyScaler-as-a-Service (KSaaS) reduce human error, accelerate incident response, and maintain data integrity across the device lifecycle.
- Microsoft's Cloud-Edge Integration:
- Microsoft Azure IoT & Defender for IoT: These services provide secure, scalable device management coupled with real-time monitoring. The integration ensures that even in remote or air-gapped environments, device security remains consistent and robust.
- End-to-End NIST Compliance: The solution aligns with the NIST reference architecture for IoT, offering structured processes for secure device onboarding, management, and continuous threat monitoring—a critical step in transforming theoretical guidelines into practical, scalable security measures.
Tackling Manufacturing’s Unique Security Challenges
The manufacturing industry is rapidly transforming as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) converge. With countless devices connecting to optimize operations, each nodal connection also introduces new vulnerabilities. This joint solution is tailor-made to address these challenges:- Securing the Edge:
Manufacturers often operate in environments with high device density, intermittent network connectivity, and the need for real-time decision-making. The solution extends CyberArk's and Device Authority's capabilities to protect these decentralized, edge-based devices. - Automated Lifecycle Protection:
By automating device onboarding and credentialing, the system minimizes the risk of human error and ensures rapid deployment of security policies across a vast array of devices, from factory robots to IoT sensors. - Mitigating Cyber Risks Through Zero Trust:
With a Zero Trust framework at its core, this collaboration ensures trust is never assumed—every device must continuously verify its identity, significantly reducing the likelihood of breach and the potential spread of malware across the network.
Strategic Impact and Industry Implications
For Manufacturers:
- Lower Cyber Risk:
Manufacturers benefit from enhanced security that reduces the risk of cyberattacks on critical operational technology. - Operational Continuity:
Securing device authentication means fewer disruptions, ensuring smoother production lines and uninterrupted operations. - Future-Ready Infrastructure:
With robust cloud-edge integration, manufacturers can confidently expand their digital ecosystems without compromising on security.
For the Broader Digital Ecosystem:
- Cross-Industry Collaboration:
The partnership between CyberArk, Device Authority, and Microsoft exemplifies how industry leaders can combine their strengths to address complex, real-world challenges. - Framework for Compliance:
By adhering to NIST guidelines, the solution sets a benchmark for secure IoT and OT implementations, which will likely influence future security standards in manufacturing globally.
Voices from the Partnership:
- Device Authority CEO Darron Antill emphasized, “Manufacturers face unique security challenges, especially in remote or decentralized environments. Our solution ensures device and data security, maintaining operational resilience even in the most distributed settings.”
- CyberArk’s Chief Strategy Officer Clarence Hinton highlighted, “Joining forces allows us to extend privileged access management controls across the entire spectrum of identities, creating a smoother pathway for organizations to implement NIST compliance best practices.”
- Microsoft’s Corporate VP Dayan Rodriquez noted, “As connected technologies embed deeper into manufacturing operations, protecting these devices is critical. Our collaboration delivers a comprehensive approach to IoT security, ensuring both regulatory compliance and operational resilience.”
Final Thoughts
As the digital revolution reshapes the manufacturing landscape, security becomes an indispensable pillar of operational success. The collaborative solution by CyberArk, Device Authority, and Microsoft not only strengthens connected device authentication but also exemplifies a proactive approach to embracing Zero Trust security principles. By seamlessly integrating cloud-based management with advanced identity protection and automated lifecycle controls, this joint initiative empowers manufacturers to reduce cyber risks and drive growth.For manufacturers looking to safeguard their digital futures and for stakeholders keen to set new industry benchmarks, this development represents a significant leap forward in secure, scalable innovation—helping to transform the way we think about IoT and OT security on a global scale.
Source: Business Wire
Source: Business Wire CyberArk and Device Authority, in Collaboration With Microsoft, Deliver Secure Device Authentication for Manufacturers