OT and SCADA Cybersecurity for Canadian Manufacturers
Manufacturing cybersecurity requires expertise that spans both traditional IT (laptops, servers, Microsoft 365) and operational technology (PLCs, SCADA systems, industrial HMIs). The convergence of IT and OT networks in modern smart factories has created new attack paths that standard cybersecurity tools do not address. We provide integrated IT/OT security for Canadian manufacturers — protecting production continuity, supply chain integrity, and ERP systems simultaneously.
OT/SCADA security architecture
- Network segmentation — Purdue Model-based segmentation separating Level 0-2 (field devices, control systems) from Level 3-4 (operations, enterprise); monitored DMZ for data exchange
- OT-aware monitoring — passive network monitoring using OT-protocol-aware sensors (Dragos or Claroty) that understand Modbus, DNP3, Profinet, and EtherNet/IP without disrupting production
- Asset inventory — automated discovery of all connected OT assets including legacy PLCs without native authentication
- Patch management for OT — coordinated with production schedules; OT patches tested in staging environments before production deployment
- Remote access security — vendor remote access to production systems via jump server with session recording; no persistent VPN access for third-party maintenance vendors
IT security for manufacturing environments
- ERP security — SAP, Dynamics 365, and NetSuite access controls; audit logging for inventory and financial modules
- Supply chain email defense — vendor impersonation detection; procurement email BEC protection
- Ransomware-resistant backup — ERP and production database backups in immutable storage; tested quarterly; RTO < 4 hours for critical systems
Related resources
- Manufacturing IT services overview
- Cybersecurity services
- EDR for manufacturing endpoints
- Ransomware protection guide
Sources & references
- Canadian Centre for Cyber Security. National Cyber Threat Assessment 2025-2026. cyber.gc.ca
- Dragos. Year in Review: ICS/OT Cybersecurity 2024. dragos.com
- NIST. Guide to Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security (SP 800-82). nist.gov
Ready to transform your IT? Call (416) 623-9677 for a free assessment.