Fortifying Your Factory: Back to Security Basics for Manufacturing IT

Almost 50% of cyber insurance claims are denied every year.  

Why?  

Businesses failed to meet basic security requirements – requirements they thought they had covered. 

From inadequate security training to incomplete response plans, IT directors and department leaders are discovering too late that “basic security” means more than antivirus software and the occasional password update. When claims are denied, they're left explaining to the C-suite why their organization's safety net disappeared. 

Our recent Security Awareness Basics webinar, led by Ben Rupp and Dean Sternik, gave organizations steps to strengthen their security foundation. There are specific tools and processes anyone can implement to protect their business and ensure their insurance investment remains valid. 

Ben and Dean have observed a common thread throughout their work with organizations of all sizes: most businesses believe their security preparations are adequate. However, when faced with a real scenario, the gaps become clear: 

These types of incidents expose three critical areas every organization must address: 

Understanding what this looks like in practice can transform how your team approaches security: 

2. The technology stack: From multifactor authentication to DNS management and advanced endpoint protection, implementing essential tools builds a comprehensive security strategy. But what does adequate protection look like? 

This shift from traditional to behavioral-based security illustrates why today's security solutions must work together to protect your organization from evolving threats. 

3. The documentation process: From incident response to backup strategies, creating procedures enables effective security governance. Even with the right technology in place and well-trained employees, organizations can still falter in a crisis without documented, tested protocols. When security incidents occur, confusion and delay can mean the difference between a contained incident and a conversation with the C-suite about why critical data is now compromised. 

Actionable Insights: Build a Robust Security Foundation 

Moving from theory to action, here are concrete steps you can take to strengthen your organization's security foundation: 

• Assess your current incident response plan - or create one if you don't have it 
• Review who has access to what data and systems 
• Evaluate your backup strategy - when was the last time you tested it?
• Document your security procedures and ensure they're easily accessible
• Schedule regular security awareness training for all employees, not just new hires 

Protect your organization and avoid denied insurance claims with a free, comprehensive security assessment. In just 1–3 hours, our experts will evaluate 8 critical security areas — including Employee Training & Security — and provide actionable steps to strengthen your security posture.  

Walk away knowing exactly where your vulnerabilities lie and what you need to do to protect your organization's assets. 

Claim your Free Security Assessment today.

Ben Rupp leads InsITe's Modern Work & Learning initiatives, focusing on Microsoft 365 implementation and cloud-native security solutions. He specializes in helping organizations build cloud security architecture and develop comprehensive Microsoft 365 security protocols. 

As InsITe's Modern Work & Learning Specialist, Dean Sternik focuses on security awareness training and technology enablement strategies. He specializes in building security-conscious cultures through practical training programs and strategic technology adoption.