Brace168 partners with Schneider Electric to support OT users
Brace168, a Sydney-headquartered specialist in cybersecurity incident identification and response services, has partnered with Schneider Electric in an effort to enable Operational Technology (OT) customers to reduce their overall cyber risk exposure and meet compliance requirements.
The offerings that come with this partnership are now available to Australian companies that are required to establish, maintain and comply with a risk management program.
This includes requirements arising under the expanded Security Legislation Amendments (Critical Infrastructure Protection) Act 2022 (commonly referred to as the SOCI Act).
Engagements with early customers have already delivered significant reductions in risk and enabled compliance deadlines to be met, with customers like Sunterra for the Wallor Solar Farm project being an example.
"In Australia, the reliance on traditional OT security practices is becoming more precarious due to the scarcity of specialised skills. This exacerbates the risk profile for OT infrastructure, raising concerns among operational teams and boards," says Bryan Saba, Group CEO, Cipherpoint group.
"Cyber security risk in IT and OT environments in Australia are significant. We have seen the outcomes of these risks in US and European attacks. The global experience of Schneider Electric combined with Brace168 local capabilities and knowledge is a great fit for Australian companies facing these challenges."
The ability to adapt in a world that is in constantly changing regulatory environments and compliance frameworks is essential, and companies need to continually focus on Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC).
Companies also need to align IT/OT with business goals while managing risks and meeting all industry and government regulations.
With the digitalisation of industrial machinery and its connection to corporate IT networks and the internet, OT becomes vulnerable to cyber threats that could severely disrupt critical operations and affect public safety.
"We believe the cybersecurity journey is better with a trusted partner. Working for the greater good of the digital economy is essential," says Nikki Saunders, Cyber Security Ecosystem Program Manager, Schneider Electric.
As part of the partnership with Brace168, there are a number of cybersecurity solutions to be offered by Schneider, including:
- Managed Detection and Response
- CISO as a Service
- ISO Gap Assessments/GRC compliance
- Third-Party (Supply Chain) Risk Assessment
- Table-Top – Operational and Board IR reviews
- Incident Response
- GRC Policy and Process development and review
- Gap Assessment against OT/ISMS Frameworks
"We partner with cybersecurity leaders so we can help our customers to maximise the investment they've already made in their existing, mature IT environment and to provide a deep understanding of the requirements across the IT/OT environment. This will help them to gain a competitive advantage, increase their brand health, and be regulatory compliant," adds Saunders.
