Industries that rely on automation and interconnected systems face unique challenges when it comes to safeguarding their networks from cyberattacks. First Watch, a specialized cybersecurity company, is at the forefront of industrial protection, offering a platform specifically designed to defend critical infrastructure. From Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs) to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), First Watch ensures that the very core of your industrial operations remains secure.
A Brief History of First Watch
First Watch was founded with the mission to safeguard industrial environments from the growing threat of cyberattacks. Recognizing that traditional IT security solutions were insufficient for protecting the specialized systems used in industries such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and utilities, First Watch set out to fill this critical gap. The company’s leadership includes cybersecurity experts with extensive experience in both IT and operational technology (OT), giving them the unique insight required to build solutions tailored to industrial networks.
Since its inception, First Watch has been committed to addressing the vulnerabilities that exist in industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology. By focusing on the critical components that drive industrial operations, such as HMIs and PLCs, the company has developed a platform that protects these systems from the sophisticated cyber threats that target them.
What First Watch Can Do for Industrial Cybersecurity
First Watch’s platform is designed to provide comprehensive cybersecurity coverage for industrial organizations. Here’s a breakdown of the key features and capabilities that set First Watch apart:
1. Increased Asset Visibility
One of the biggest challenges in securing an industrial network is knowing what’s connected to it. Many industrial environments have legacy systems and devices that weren’t originally designed with cybersecurity in mind. First Watch provides complete asset visibility, allowing you to identify and monitor every device on your network. This level of insight is crucial for understanding your security posture and ensuring that all devices are accounted for and protected.
2. Real-Time Monitoring
Industrial networks are highly dynamic environments, with constant communication between devices, sensors, and control systems. First Watch’s platform continuously monitors your network, watching for any unusual activity that could indicate a potential cyber threat. Real-time monitoring ensures that any anomalies are detected as soon as they occur, allowing you to take swift action to mitigate the risk.
3. Active Protection Against Cyberattacks
Cyberattacks on industrial systems can have devastating consequences, from production downtime to compromised safety systems. First Watch uses advanced algorithms and patented technology to actively protect your network from such attacks. By analyzing network traffic and device behavior, the platform can detect signs of malicious activity and prevent attacks before they can disrupt your operations.
4. Data Integrity and Protection
Data integrity is a key concern in industrial environments, where accurate and reliable data is essential for maintaining operations. First Watch ensures that your data remains secure and protected from unauthorized access, modification, or deletion. This not only helps to prevent cyberattacks but also safeguards the reliability of your operations.
5. Compliance with Industry Standards
Compliance is a critical aspect of industrial cybersecurity, especially for organizations operating in heavily regulated sectors. First Watch helps you comply with industry-specific regulations and cybersecurity frameworks, such as NERC CIP (North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection), IEC 62443 (Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security), and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. By adhering to these standards, your organization can avoid regulatory penalties while ensuring the highest level of cybersecurity.
The Industrial Cybersecurity Problem
Industrial systems face unique challenges that set them apart from traditional IT environments. Unlike typical business networks, industrial control systems (ICS) operate critical infrastructure that can have real-world consequences if compromised. A successful cyberattack on an industrial network can result in physical damage to equipment, production downtime, environmental hazards, and even endangerment of human lives. Moreover, many industrial systems are legacy technologies that were not designed with cybersecurity in mind, making them particularly vulnerable to modern threats.
One of the primary vulnerabilities in industrial networks is the integration of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) systems. As industries have become more interconnected, these traditionally separate systems have converged, leading to new attack vectors. While OT systems are designed to manage physical processes, such as controlling machinery, IT systems handle data and communication. This convergence, while beneficial for operational efficiency, has made industrial networks more susceptible to cyber threats.
First Watch addresses these challenges by offering a platform that is specifically built for the needs of industrial organizations. It protects the critical components of your network, such as HMIs and PLCs, which are essential for controlling automated processes. These components are often the primary targets of cyberattacks, as they provide access to the systems that regulate production, safety, and efficiency.
Who Needs First Watch?
First Watch’s cybersecurity platform is ideal for any organization that relies on industrial control systems and automation technology. Some of the key industries that benefit from First Watch’s solutions include:
1. Manufacturing
Manufacturing facilities are highly automated environments that rely on a wide array of interconnected systems to keep production running smoothly. From assembly lines to robotics, these systems are controlled by PLCs and HMIs, making them prime targets for cyberattacks. A breach in a manufacturing facility can lead to production halts, equipment damage, and even safety hazards. First Watch provides the visibility and protection needed to secure these critical systems and keep operations running efficiently.
2. Energy and Utilities
The energy sector is a vital part of a country’s infrastructure, powering everything from homes to hospitals. Any disruption to this sector can have widespread consequences. Cyberattacks on energy providers have become increasingly common, with threat actors targeting power grids, pipelines, and renewable energy sources. First Watch’s platform is designed to protect the complex control systems that manage energy production and distribution, ensuring that critical infrastructure remains operational and secure.
3. Transportation
The transportation industry relies on automated systems to manage everything from traffic signals to railway controls. A cyberattack on these systems could result in delays, accidents, and even loss of life. First Watch helps transportation providers secure the systems that keep people and goods moving safely and efficiently.
4. Water and Wastewater
Water and wastewater facilities use industrial control systems to manage the treatment and distribution of water. A successful cyberattack on these systems could lead to contamination, water shortages, or flooding. First Watch ensures that these critical systems are protected from cyber threats, helping to maintain the safety and reliability of water supplies.
5. Oil and Gas
Oil and gas companies use automation technology to manage the extraction, refining, and distribution of their products. These companies are often targeted by cybercriminals due to the high value of their operations and the potential for disruption. First Watch provides specialized cybersecurity solutions that protect the critical systems used in the oil and gas industry.
How First Watch Works
The strength of First Watch lies in its ability to provide comprehensive cybersecurity coverage that seamlessly integrates with existing industrial infrastructure. Here’s how the platform works:
1. Deployment
First Watch’s platform is designed to integrate smoothly into your existing network infrastructure. The deployment process involves placing sensors at key points in your network to monitor traffic and device behavior. These sensors are non-intrusive, ensuring that your operations remain unaffected during the deployment process.
2. Continuous Monitoring
Once deployed, the platform begins continuously monitoring your network for anomalies, threats, and potential vulnerabilities. It analyzes network traffic, device behavior, and data flows in real time, providing you with a clear understanding of your network’s security posture.
3. Threat Detection
First Watch uses advanced algorithms and machine learning to detect anomalies that may indicate a cyberattack. By comparing real-time data to historical patterns, the platform can identify suspicious activities that could signify an ongoing or imminent attack.
4. Active Prevention
If a threat is detected, First Watch can automatically take steps to prevent the attack from succeeding. This includes actions like isolating compromised devices, blocking malicious traffic, or alerting your security team to take immediate action. These proactive measures help to contain threats before they can cause damage to your operations.
5. Incident Response
In the event of a successful cyberattack, First Watch provides expert guidance and support to help you recover. The platform offers incident response tools that enable you to quickly contain the damage, restore your systems, and prevent future incidents. With First Watch, you have a partner that helps you navigate the complexities of industrial cybersecurity.
Industrial cybersecurity requires specialized knowledge and tools. Traditional IT security solutions are not enough to protect the unique components of industrial networks. First Watch’s platform is specifically designed to address the challenges faced by industrial organizations. From asset visibility to real-time monitoring and active prevention, First Watch provides the comprehensive protection needed to safeguard critical infrastructure.
By partnering with First Watch’s Indonesian partner, Walden Global Services (WGS), as the designated implementer, industrial organizations can significantly reduce their risk of cyberattacks and ensure that their operations remain secure and efficient. WGS, with its experience in deploying cybersecurity solutions, ensures that First Watch’s platform is seamlessly integrated into your existing infrastructure, tailored to your specific needs.
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, protecting the core of your network is more important than ever. First Watch, provides a comprehensive cybersecurity solution that ensures your industrial systems remain safe from cyber threats, allowing you to focus on what matters most—running your business efficiently and securely.