A Zero trust Architecture for Manufacturers

Why Zero Trust Security Matters in Manufacturing

Manufacturing in the Twin Cities isn't what it used to be. As the industry digitizes, the shop floor isn't the only place where things can break down. Cyber threats are targeting not just business operations, but your machines, controls, and the production line itself.

If you're a manufacturer in Maple Grove, Plymouth, Bloomington, or Eagan, the risks aren't abstract. A Phishing email can cascade into a plant-wide shut down. A weak password can trigger a compliance violation. And old network setups can't keep up with modern threats.

That's where zero trust architecture comes in. It's more than cybersecurity, it's a proactive strategy to reduce downtime, boost accuracy, and protect your operations from the inside out.

What Is Zero Trust? (In Plain English)

Zero trust means nothing, and no one is automatically trusted inside your network, not even employees, not even devices you own. Everything must prove it belongs, every time.

Here's what it involves:

• Identity Verification: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for employees, vendors, and contractors.
• Least Privilege Access: Give people access only to what they absolutely need—nothing more.
• Zero Trust Segmentation: Divide the network into secure zones to stop lateral movement.
• Continuous Monitoring: Real-time analytics that flag unusual behavior before damage is done.
• Encryption Everywhere: Protect sensitive data both in transit and at rest.

A knowledgeable Managed Service Provider (MSP) that specializes in manufacturing understands how to implement these principles without slowing down production. With the right IT Managed Services partner, zero trust enhances both security and operational accuracy.

OT vs. IT: Why They Must Be Separate

It might seem easier to merge IT (like your ERP and email systems) and OT (like SCADA, robotics, and PLCs) into one network. But that convenience creates a giant, interconnected target for hackers.

• IT Systems: Handle financial data, employee info, business software.
• OT Systems: Control physical operations, machines, and safety systems.

Zero trust segmentation stops attacks in their tracks. If someone clicks on a bad link in HR, the attacker can't leapfrog into your robotic welders or CNC controls. For manufacturers in Shakopee, Brooklyn Park, and beyond, this separation is critical for uptime, safety, and resolution time.

Real Risks for Manufacturers

Every day, we see manufacturers hit by:

• Ransomware: Entire OT systems frozen. Production halted until a ransom is paid.
• IP Theft: Designs, formulas, and prototypes stolen.
• Safety Compromise: Hackers manipulating machinery, endangering workers.
• Compliance Failures: SOC 2, CMMC, or NIST violations that damage contracts.

Zero trust limits how far threats can spread. Even if one system is hit, the damage doesn't ripple across the entire plant. It's proactive, protective, and precise—just like your operation should be.

Compliance: Why Zero Trust Is Your Best Ally

From medical device suppliers in Bloomington to defense contractors in Eagan, compliance isn't optional. The audits are getting stricter, and the penalties are getting bigger.

Zero trust supports:

• SOC 2: Security and availability controls across your digital infrastructure.
• CMMC: Cybersecurity maturity for government and DoD-related work.
• NIST 800-171 & ISO 27001: Industry benchmarks for protecting sensitive data.

The best MSPs document everything, segment everything, and provide detailed audit trails. That means your next compliance check goes smoother, with greater accuracy and less scrambling.

Building a Zero Trust Network: A Manufacturer's Roadmap

Shifting to zero trust isn't an overnight flip. But with the right IT Managed Services partner, it becomes a clear, manageable journey:

1. Assessment & Mapping

• Identify all assets, including IT and OT systems.
• Map data flows between systems and networks.
• Conduct a thorough risk assessment to highlight vulnerabilities and high-risk connections.

2. Identity & Access Controls

• Implement multi-factor authentication for employees, contractors, and vendors.
• Restrict access based on roles and responsibilities using privileged access management.

3. Zero Trust Segmentation

• Separate OT and IT environments.
• Use zero trust segmentation within OT networks to isolate critical systems.

4. Monitoring & Detection

• Use Managed Detection & Response (MDR) tools to catch threats early.
• Log and audit every access event.
• Layer in behavioral analytics and threat intel.

5. Data Protection

• Encrypt all operational and business data.
• Implement secure backups with tested disaster recovery plans.

6. Ongoing Review & Audit Readiness

• Perform quarterly zero trust reviews.
• Update configurations and policies.
• Maintain documentation for SOC 2, CMMC, and more.

A Zero Trust Story from the Twin Cities

A precision manufacturer in Plymouth had their ERP system accessed via a weak vendor login. Fortunately, their HR systems weren't connected to their OT. Why? Because their MSP had already begun implementing zero trust.

Now?

• ERP, HR, and OT systems are segmented.
• Multi-factor authentication is mandatory.
• Threats are flagged and neutralized within minutes.
• SOC 2 and CMMC documentation is ready at all times.

The Director of Operations said it best: "I used to lose sleep over IT. Now I lose sleep over production improvements. That's a win."

Veracity Technologies: Zero Trust for Manufacturers

Veracity Technologies has helped manufacturers across the Twin Cities metro build accurate, secure, and compliant systems since 1990.

Our difference?

• SOC 2-Certified: Built-in compliance.
• 24/7 Monitoring: Immediate response time when every minute counts.
• Strategic vCIO Services: Align tech with growth, not just security.
• Unlimited Local Support: From Minnetonka to Maple Grove, real people answer your call.

We speak factory, fluently. We understand your floor. And we bring helpfulness and accuracy into every support call and system design.

The Future of Manufacturing Security

With more IoT, automation, and remote access in every plant, threats are multiplying. Zero trust is your new perimeter.

When you invest in a zero-trust architecture with a proactive Managed Service Provider, you get more than cybersecurity. You get:

• Fewer fire drills
• More control
• Faster resolution times
• Accurate audit readiness
• Competitive peace of mind

That's what manufacturers in the Twin Cities deserve.

Click Here or give us a call at 952-941-7333 to Book a FREE Consult

FAQ About Zero Trust in Manufacturing

1. What is zero trust in manufacturing?

It's a cybersecurity framework that assumes no user, device, or system is trustworthy by default. Every access request must be verified. It protects both IT (ERP, HR) and OT (PLCs, robotics).

2. Why is IT/OT separation critical?

Without segmentation, a phishing attack on an email account can pivot to production systems. Zero trust ensures that can't happen.

3. Does zero trust help with compliance requirements?

Yes. It aligns with SOC 2, CMMC, NIST 800-171, and ISO 27001. It reduces audit stress, improves documentation accuracy, and lowers risk exposure.

4. How do manufacturers implement zero trust with legacy systems?

Legacy equipment and software are common in manufacturing and can pose challenges to zero trust adoption. The best approach is phased implementation:

• Start by segmenting legacy OT systems from IT networks.
• Use secure gateways or wrappers to control access.
• Layer in monitoring tools to detect unusual activity.
• Over time, modernize or replace outdated systems with zero trust-ready alternatives.

5. Is zero trust expensive for manufacturers to adopt?

No more than a shutdown or ransomware payout. Start small (MFA, segmentation), scale smart. With the right MSP, zero trust saves more than it costs.