Cybersecurity in Manufacturing: Protecting Digital Assets

As we continue to grow and innovate, our reliance on technology becomes increasingly central to the success of our manufacturing processes. With this comes a heightened responsibility to ensure the security and integrity of our systems and data. In today’s digital landscape, the threats posed by cyberattacks are ever-evolving, and no industry—including manufacturing—is immune.?

Cybersecurity is not just an IT concern; it is a business imperative. The potential risks range from operational disruptions to data breaches that could compromise sensitive information, intellectual property, and customer trust. As a manufacturing organisation, we must safeguard our systems from vulnerabilities that could lead to production downtime, supply chain disruptions, financial loss, reputational damage, and non-compliance.

Recognising these risks, Apollo Tyres has made significant strategic investments in advanced cybersecurity tools, fostering a culture of awareness and implementing robust data protection policies to safeguard its operations and the sensitive information of stakeholders. These efforts have resulted in zero complaints concerning breaches of customer privacy or loss of customer data in FY24.

I would like to share our proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity through people, processes, and technology to combat cybercrime.

Investments in Latest AI/ML-Driven Cybersecurity and IT Tools

As cyberattacks become increasingly sophisticated, we need next-generation tools to combat them. Apollo Tyres continues to invest in cutting-edge, cloud-based AI-enabled cybersecurity solutions to address escalating threats. This year, we entered into a strategic partnership with Palo Alto Networks and deployed Global Protect, a cloud-based zero-trust network architecture tool. This ensures secure access to corporate and SaaS (Software as a Service) applications from any location, enhancing security while facilitating remote work efficiency.

Continuing our investments in endpoint security with managed detection and response services, Apollo Tyres has implemented two new tools for identity protection and continuous vulnerability management. These tools strengthen protection against identity-based attacks, bolster Active Directory security, and prioritise the mitigation of vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

Another significant area of investment is the modernisation of our IT infrastructure, building high availability and resilience to ensure business continuity, and drastically reducing vulnerabilities that stem from legacy systems.

We also continue to invest in external digital risk monitoring tools, email security gateways, a security operations centre, and robust in-house cybersecurity teams.

Data Protection Policies

Along with our robust information security policies, we have taken a significant step forward in data protection by developing a comprehensive Data Protection Policy as part of our Risk Management Framework. This policy, accessible on our company intranet, details the measures we have implemented to safeguard the personal data of employees, contractors, customers, and external stakeholders globally.

The policy outlines our principles for protecting sensitive information, including Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and Sensitive PII. We emphasise compliance, requiring all parties to understand and adhere to these guidelines. Additionally, we ensure that third-party entities sign confidentiality and data privacy agreements before accessing our data, reflecting our unwavering dedication to protecting sensitive information in all business interactions.

Cybersecurity Culture and Awareness

One of the best ways to reduce cyber risk is by building a culture of cybersecurity. With users as our first line of defence, we have taken various initiatives to foster a cybersecurity culture within our organisation. This includes 4,000 hours of awareness campaigns, role-based cyber training across plants, R&D, and sales teams, phishing simulations, awards and recognitions, and the celebration of Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Information Security Certifications

As part of our commitment to maintaining and reinforcing best practices in cybersecurity, we are on a journey to achieve TISAX certification across all critical locations. In 2022, five critical European locations were certified, and this year we successfully achieved certification for Chennai and Andhra Pradesh. We plan to certify all other Indian plants by next year. The TISAX certification confirms that our information security management system complies with the highest standards of protection and availability.

Cybersecurity as Business and Social Responsibility

At Apollo Tyres, we view cybersecurity not only as a business responsibility but also as a social obligation. We are committed to creating a safe environment for all, both personally and professionally.