CWM OT Security Simulation: Unique Test Environment for Cybersecurity in the Manufacturing Industry

The Cyber Resilience Centre Manufacturing South Holland (CWM) recently kicked off the CWM OT Security Simulation, a unique test environment where cyberattacks on Operational Technology (OT) are simulated in a safe and realistic setting. Given at the Flow Center of Excellence (FCoE) at the Duurzaamheidsfabriek in Dordrecht, this simulation is the only location in the Netherlands where companies can get this unique experience. By immersing participants in real-life cyberattack scenarios, the simulation provides valuable insights into threats to OT environments and helps organisations develop targeted strategies to enhance their cyber resilience.

With increasing digitalisation and the rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), OT systems are increasingly being connected to IT networks. This raises the risk of cyber incidents, as traditional OT networks were not originally designed with strong security measures in mind. Cyberattacks can have major consequences for businesses: from production downtime to ransomware attacks that threaten business continuity. Due to the strong interdependencies within the manufacturing industry, such incidents can trigger a domino effect across the entire sector.

Experience a cyber attack in a secure environment

The CWM OT Security Simulation offers entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to experience a (potential) OT cyberattack in a controlled environment. Participants gain insight into the vulnerabilities and threats of OT networks and receive practical tools to strengthen cybersecurity within their organisation. The Flow Center of Excellence provides an OT environment with real installations where extensive experimentation is possible. It is a place where situations can be created that should normally be avoided in practice, but are still valuable to witness and experience, as they clearly demonstrate what happens when such incidents occur. Batenburg Techniek, one of CWM’s coalition partners, developed the scenario for the demonstration.

Rob Verseijden, OT Cybersecurity Specialist, Batenburg Techniek: "The complexity of OT systems and their ever closer intertwining with IT make cybersecurity in the manufacturing industry more challenging than ever. With the CWM OT Security Simulation scenarios, we show entrepreneurs how cyberattacks work in practice and how they can guard against them. The demonstration walks participants through a realistic scenario that showcases various attack techniques within OT networks, such as the use of infected USB sticks, unauthorized access, and manipulation of SCADA systems. "

About the CWM OT Security Simulation

The CWM OT Security Simulation is a collaboration between the Cyber Resilience Centre Manufacturing South Holland (CWM), Batenburg Techniek, the Flow Center of Excellence (FCoE), the Duurzaamheidsfabriek, Da Vinci College, Hi Delta, and Security Delta (HSD). It offers companies a unique environment to experience OT cyber threats and improve their cyber resilience through realistic simulations and practical knowledge sharing.