Dear Christian Goldmann, how would you describe Siemens AG in 3 quick-witted words?
Innovative, global and future-orientated
Please introduce yourself briefly and tell us something about your personal background.
My name is Christian Goldmann, Head of Horizontal Cybersecurity in the Germany region. I have been working for Siemens for 25 years and have been involved in cybersecurity since I joined Siemens AG. My previous positions include military network operators (e.g. US. Department of Defense, NATO..), power plant control technology (both fossil and nuclear) and internal cybersecurity for office and production environments. Since October 2022, I have been leading the new cybersecurity team in the Germany region. Our goal is to accompany industrial customers on their cybersecurity journey. Our focus is clearly on securing industrial automation systems in order to address the protection needs of operators and manufacturers. At the same time, we align our consulting services with current regulatory requirements in order to support our global customers with the challenges of digitalisation.
What characterises Siemens AG?
Siemens is an innovative and future-orientated company that offers solutions for a wide range of industries worldwide that are geared towards the megatrends of our time. In order to fulfil this claim, it is essential to constantly reinvent ourselves and continuously adapt our products to the current basic needs of society.
How does Siemens AG help other companies?
Siemens follows the trends in our society and uses future technologies to derive innovative product developments. Our aim is to make these new technologies widely available to our customers and to support them in successfully meeting the challenges of our time.
What do you possibly see as slightly different from prevailing opinions in the field of cyber security?
Cybersecurity must be an end in itself and firmly anchored in the DNA of every organisation. In a global economy, it is crucial to create a holistic ecosystem that promotes both security and resilience. This will be an essential factor in securing Germany as a business location in the future. A strong corporate culture that views cyber security as an integral part is essential to successfully meet the challenges of the modern world.
Why is Siemens the right strategic partner for OT cybersecurity?
With decades of experience and comprehensive expertise, Siemens offers a holistic approach that covers both IT and OT levels. By utilising the latest technologies and standards such as IEC 62443, Siemens guarantees the highest level of security. Continuous monitoring and adaptation of the security solutions enables a rapid response to new threats. This is complemented by a comprehensive service portfolio that includes consulting services, training and support.
What do we recommend small and medium-sized companies do to address the issue of OT cybersecurity?
We recommend that small and medium-sized companies take a step-by-step approach to OT cybersecurity. Start by taking stock of your current systems and identifying potential vulnerabilities. Use scalable security solutions. Regularly train your employees in basic security practices and sensitise them to cyber risks. Consider bringing in external experts to develop customised security strategies. Through these measures, even companies with limited resources can effectively improve their OT security and arm themselves against cyber threats.
What are the biggest differences in cybersecurity between IT and OT environments?
The biggest differences in cybersecurity between IT and OT environments lie in their priorities and requirements. IT environments focus mainly on protecting data and networks, with confidentiality, integrity and availability taking centre stage. OT environments, on the other hand, which include industrial control systems and production facilities, focus on operational security and the continuous availability of the systems.
In OT environments, downtime is often unacceptable as it can have a direct impact on production and safety. Therefore, OT cybersecurity solutions require customised approaches that are specifically tailored to the needs and challenges of industrial systems. These solutions must be robust, reliable and capable of protecting both old and new technologies without disrupting ongoing operations.
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