Transforming Manufacturing Security: CyberArk, Device Authority, and Microsoft's New Approach

The manufacturing landscape is undergoing a digital overhaul, and with it comes a surge in connected devices that promise efficiency but also introduce new security risks. In an industry where operational technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) systems merge on the factory floor, ensuring that every device is secure is not just a luxury—it’s an absolute necessity. A new collaboration between CyberArk, Device Authority, and Microsoft is poised to address this challenge head-on by integrating robust Zero Trust principles into device authentication and management.

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Embracing the Digital Transformation with Confidence​

The convergence of IoT and OT is transforming manufacturing processes across the globe. With each new smart device connected, manufacturers gain unprecedented operational insights and potential productivity gains. However, this connectivity also expands the threat landscape. Every IoT endpoint can serve as a potential entry point for cyberattacks, making traditional security measures insufficient against evolving threats.
The joint initiative among CyberArk, Device Authority, and Microsoft delivers a solution that is both comprehensive and scalable. This new approach not only adheres to the latest industry standards, but it also translates the structured guidelines of the NIST reference architecture for IoT—introduced in May 2024—into a practical tool for manufacturers. By doing so, the collaboration provides a clear roadmap for secure onboarding, continuous management, and persistent threat monitoring throughout a device’s lifecycle.

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Breaking Down the Security Ecosystem​

The solution architecture reflects a critical integration of each partner’s unique capabilities:

• Microsoft’s Role:
  Leveraging Microsoft Azure IoT and Defender for IoT, Microsoft spearheads secure and scalable device management. The platform offers real-time monitoring and cloud-edge integration, which is particularly useful in environments where devices operate in settings that may be isolated or subject to intermittent connectivity. This cloud-edge architecture guarantees that even air-gapped remote sites receive a consistent security posture.
• CyberArk’s Contribution:
  Known for its expertise in privileged access management, CyberArk brings advanced security measures that ensure only authorised users and devices gain access to critical systems. By enforcing strict security policies and reducing the need for manual oversight, CyberArk’s technologies help minimise human error—one of the most common vulnerabilities in industrial cybersecurity scenarios.
• Device Authority’s Expertise:
  Device Authority completes the triumvirate by automating secure device onboarding, identity credentialing, and encryption processes. Manual configurations are not only time-consuming but also prone to mistakes. The automated processes provided by Device Authority streamline security operations, reduce the risk of human error, and enhance the overall integrity of the connected ecosystem.

This force-multiplying collaboration delivers an end-to-end solution that aligns with NIST guidelines, offering manufacturers a clear path to achieving robust IoT security. As the solution scales, it promises not only better protection but also operational resilience, ensuring that manufacturing operations remain uninterrupted even under cyber-attack attempts.

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Zero Trust in the Age of IoT​

At the heart of this collaboration lies the Zero Trust model—a security paradigm that treats every access attempt as untrusted until verified. In a traditional perimeter-based security design, devices inside a network might be assumed safe once they’re authenticated. However, the modern manufacturing environment, with its sprawling and diverse device ecosystem, demands a more rigorous approach.
Implementing Zero Trust means that:

• Every device on the network must be continuously authenticated.
• Access rights are strictly enforced, limiting the potential damage of a compromised device.
• The system constantly verifies the integrity and security posture of each device.

This is particularly critical in edge environments where devices operate in remote or challenging conditions. Darron Antill, CEO of Device Authority, underscores the importance of this approach: manufacturers not only need secure onboarding mechanisms at the point of installation, but they also require ongoing monitoring and rapid response to threats approximately as they occur, even when devices are widely dispersed.

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Addressing Challenges at the Edge​

Manufacturing facilities often span large geographic areas with devices located in diverse and sometimes harsh conditions. Edge environments introduce unique risks due to:

• High Device Density: A large number of connected devices increases the likelihood of security events.
• Variable Network Connectivity: Inconsistent network quality can complicate real-time security monitoring.
• Decentralised Monitoring: The further a device is from centralised security operations, the higher the risk that breaches may go undetected for longer periods.

The collaboration’s unified approach—a combination of cloud-based management with robust edge security measures—ensures that manufacturers do not have to choose between operational efficiency and security. While Microsoft’s cloud-edge integration delivers real-time monitoring and secure management even in air-gapped settings, CyberArk and Device Authority extend these protections with automation and tight control over privileged access, closing any gaps typically exploited by attackers.

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Navigating Compliance and Regulatory Standards​

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, regulatory frameworks have tightened their requirements for device security. The NIST reference architecture for IoT provides manufacturers a structured and tested methodology that helps translate abstract security principles into actionable steps. By embedding these guidelines into the solution architecture, the collaboration not only enhances security but also paves the way for easier compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Clarence Hinton, Chief Strategy Officer at CyberArk, points out that the complexity of ensuring comprehensive NIST compliance calls for a multi-layered, coordinated approach. Piecemeal solutions are simply not viable in an era where cyber threats evolve at breakneck speed. The integrated solution model supports a seamless extension of privileged access management across the entire spectrum of identities—human or device—thereby addressing a significant challenge faced by manufacturers today.

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Benefits to Manufacturers: Reducing Complexity and Enhancing Resilience​

The integrated security solution provides several key advantages:

• Streamlined Onboarding: Automation of device authentication and credentialing minimizes setup times and accelerates deployment.
• Enhanced Security Posture: Continuous monitoring and real-time assessment help detect and mitigate threats early in the device lifecycle.
• Regulatory Compliance: By aligning with NIST guidelines, the solution simplifies the process of meeting stringent cybersecurity requirements.
• Operational Continuity: The robust security framework helps ensure that manufacturing operations remain resilient, even if an attempted breach occurs.

By eliminating traditional bottlenecks associated with manual security management, the integrated approach offers manufacturers a practical way to protect their assets while maintaining high operational efficiency.

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Expert Analysis: A New Era for IoT Security​

Industry experts suggest that this collaboration marks a significant milestone in IoT security for the manufacturing sector. As digital transformation continues to accelerate, the need for scalable, automated, and robust security measures becomes ever more urgent. The partnership’s use of Zero Trust principles signifies a proactive shift in how manufacturers approach cybersecurity—focusing on stringent access controls, continuous monitoring, and rapid incident response rather than relying solely on defensive barriers.
This integrated solution is not just a theoretical framework. It is engineered to work in real-world, highly complex environments where the security of every connected device is paramount. By providing a comprehensive approach that integrates cloud-based solutions with edge security, the collaboration addresses both current vulnerabilities and the evolving threat landscape.
Dayan Rodriquez, Corporate Vice President of Manufacturing & Mobility at Microsoft, encapsulates this forward-thinking approach: as manufacturing processes become increasingly interconnected, a comprehensive security solution that spans from the factory floor to the edge is indispensable. The solution not only mitigates risks but also provides manufacturers with a clear path toward achieving and maintaining regulatory compliance while driving operational excellence.

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Looking Ahead: Reshaping the Security Paradigm​

The collaboration between CyberArk, Device Authority, and Microsoft is a compelling model for how industries can tackle cybersecurity challenges in an increasingly connected world. By uniting expertise in privileged access management, automated device onboarding, and cloud-based security management, the initiative is setting a new standard for IoT security in manufacturing.
Looking toward the future, we can expect that:

• Further Innovation: As more devices become connected, collaborative security innovations will be essential in counteracting emerging threats.
• Scalability: The solution’s ability to scale seamlessly with growing device ecosystems will make it a critical asset for manufacturers of all sizes.
• Industry Adoption: With adherence to NIST guidelines, manufacturers globally are likely to adopt similar integrated approaches to safeguard their operations against cyber intrusions.

This approach not only addresses immediate security needs but also builds the foundation for a resilient digital infrastructure that supports sustainable growth and regulatory confidence.

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Conclusion​

The partnership of CyberArk, Device Authority, and Microsoft represents a significant leap forward in securing the modern manufacturing environment. By embedding Zero Trust principles and leveraging the NIST reference architecture for IoT, the integrated solution promises to transform how manufacturers handle device authentication and management. It is a timely response to the dual demands of operational efficiency and cybersecurity resilience.
As industries continue to innovate and expand their use of IoT and OT, such cohesive and forward-thinking security measures will be indispensable. This collaboration not only mitigates potential vulnerabilities but also reinforces the critical importance of a unified security strategy in protecting the digital future of manufacturing.

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Source: SecurityBrief Australia CyberArk, Device Authority & Microsoft enhance IoT security