EMC Secure program provides cybersecurity resources to SMEs

Cyber attacks cause business disruptions, damaged machinery and result in lost revenues. PHOTO: THINKSTOCK

OWEN SOUND, Ont. — Manufacturers concerned about their cybersecurity but need help addressing the issue can now tap into a program specifically designed for small and medium-sized companies.

“Too often we see manufacturers believing they have taken the right precautions, but are actually quite exposed,” said Scott McNeil-Smith, national director of programs and partnerships, and cybersecurity program lead for the Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium (EMC). “Small and medium-sized firms who think they are ‘under the radar’, and even larger industries with onsite IT management, are finding holes in the boat.”

In 2017, 28% of medium sized and 19% of small businesses in Canada experienced cyber incidents, resulting in an average of 24 and 22 hours of downtime respectively. The average cost of a cyber breach in Canada was $6.11 million in 2017.

EMC, in partnership with N-Dimension Solutions, have put together a program that will immediately enable over 13,000 active consortium members with access to the cybersecurity technology provider’s technology platform.

“The resources and solutions which N-Dimension is providing fills a critical need which our members have been seeking, providing cybersecurity visibility, intelligence and remediation guidance. Their proven experience within both industry and energy sectors, as well as a deep cybersecurity expertise, fulfills the growing need to protect and strengthen both IT and industrial networks,” said Al Diggins, chairman of the non-profit EMC, which helps manufacturers with a variety of issues.

EMC, based in Owen Sound, Ont., cites the increasing use of automation, advanced manufacturing processes and IOT connecting industry with both customer and supply chains for the need for manufacturers to be protected.

“Manufacturers across Canada (and globally) are more connected today than ever before,” said Shawn Casemore, president of EMC. “With data from ERP systems and equipment being held in the cloud, and the continued growth of online commerce and advanced technologies, our members are highly vulnerable.  The EMC Secure program provides our members the protection and support they deserve to avoid disruption and risks to their businesses.”

Launched in 2015, the N-Sentinel cybersecurity technology platform has been installed in a number of critical infrastructure sectors including electric utilities, water utilities and manufacturing.

EMC said it will expand the availability of N-Sentinel throughout Canada and enable manufacturers to effectively address their cybersecurity risks and challenges.

As part of the program launch, EMC and N-Dimension have arranged for member manufacturers to test-drive the platform for 60 days, at no cost.  The program is available in all provinces and territories, coast-to-coast-to-coast.

For more information or to access the EMC Secure program for manufacturers and the N-Sentinel cybersecurity technology platform, visit www.emccanada.org/emcsecure.

N-Dimension is based in Richmond Hill, Ont. with US headquarters located in Delray Beach, Fla.