Manufacturing Security Quarterly Digest
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by equilibrium risk Summer 2025
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"Keeping You Informed on the Latest in Manufacturing Security" |
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1. Letter from the Editor... |
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Welcome to the Manufacturing Security Digest, your trusted source for expert insights and essential updates on the dynamic world of security in the manufacturing sector.
In this edition, we delve into the most recent trends shaping the manufacturing industry from January to March 2025. We explore key developments such as the adoption of automation software, the push for sustainability, and the impact of the recent £40bn tax-raising Budget on the UK's manufacturing sector. Additionally, we highlight important legal and regulatory changes affecting manufacturing security, including the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill and the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill 2025.
Our Expert Insights section provides an update on the thriving UK cyber security sector, emphasising the importance of robust security systems and the role of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) in enhancing protective security standards. We also introduce Cyber Essentials, a UK government-backed scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves from common cyber attacks, and discuss the benefits of becoming certified.
Thank you for staying connected with us. We hope you find this edition informative and valuable as you navigate the ever-evolving landscape of security in the manufacturing sector.
Luke
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2. Highlights from our Monthly Newsletter... |
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In January's Monthly Manufacturing Security Insights, we highlight several significant developments in the industry.
- Ford has commenced electric drive production at its Halewood plant, marking a pivotal step in sustainable manufacturing.
- Hitachi Rail is set to build new trains for FirstGroup, enhancing transportation infrastructure.
- BAE Systems has secured a £133m contract to supply advanced fighter pilot helmets, showcasing innovation in defence technology.
We also explored the latest news in security:
- Jane Frankland's recognition with an MBE for her contributions to women in cybersecurity.
- We explore how Darktrace is strengthening core capabilities to bolster security across the sector.
To catch up on our January newsletter, click here. |
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Our February edition covered a range of topics, including:
- the decline in factory activity reported by the S&P Global UK manufacturing PMI survey,
- the launch of National Manufacturing Day 2025 by Make UK,
- and Tata Steel's plans to replace its Port Talbot blast furnaces with less-polluting electric arc furnaces.
We also discussed the recent cyber attack on engineering group IMI and the findings of the BlackBerry/Make UK cybersecurity report, which revealed that nearly half of UK manufacturers have suffered a cyber attack in the past year.
Read our February newsletter here. |
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In March, the last newsletter of the quarter, we highlighted: -
- The Make UK National Manufacturing Conference 2025, including a surprise appearance by the Chancellor, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves.
- Gartner identified the top cybersecurity trends for 2025, influenced by generative AI, digital decentralisation, supply chain interdependencies, regulatory changes, and an evolving threat landscape.
- and Britain's manufacturing sector has fallen behind Europe due to a recent £40bn tax-raising Budget, leading to a significant drop in demand and job cuts.
In security news the newsletter highlighted, the UK government has mandated Apple to provide access to encrypted iCloud backups, sparking a global debate on security and privacy. As well as reviews of the latest expertise across various security sectors, including new leadership appointments, strategic partnerships, and advancements in AI-driven security technologies.
Read the full newsletter here. |
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3. Industry News & Trends... |
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An overview of the most recent trends shaping the industry, including important updates affecting manufacturing security. |
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Key Manufacturing Industry Trends Shaping 2025 and Beyond |
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This article from Machinery.co.uk explores the key trends driving the manufacturing industry forward in 2025. It highlights the adoption of automation software, largely driven by artificial intelligence (AI), collaborative robots (cobots), and Internet of Things (IoT) integration.
These advancements are transforming the industry by streamlining operations and boosting productivity. The article also discusses the push for sustainability and the importance of innovation in overcoming challenges such as increasing demands and a growing skills gap.
To discover more, look here. |
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Shaping the Future: Key Manufacturing Trends in 2025
NatWest Business provides insights into the trends and developments in the UK manufacturing sector for 2025. The article covers topics such as smart factories, sustainable solutions, and the persistent export challenges faced by manufacturers.
It also discusses the optimism for growth driven by planned expansions, product launches, and efforts to revive export demand. Additionally, it addresses the skills gap and opportunities to boost productivity through digitalisation and automation.
Discover more here. |
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| | Legal Horizon: March 2025
Walker Morris highlights important legal and regulatory developments affecting manufacturing security. The article covers topics such as sustainability reporting requirements, data protection, and cybersecurity. It discusses the EU's Regulation on ESG activities, which aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the ESG ratings market.
Find out more here. |
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4. Featured Security Solutions... |
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A spotlight on a few innovative security solutions that have emerged in the market, with a closer look at cutting edge technologies improving manufacturing security. |
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Cyber Essentials (CE) & Cyber Essentials Plus (CE+)
Introduction to Cyber Essentials
In today's digital age, safeguarding your business against cyber threats is more crucial than ever. Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme designed to help organisations protect themselves from common cyber attacks. It provides a set of basic security controls that can significantly reduce the risk of cyber incidents.
Overview of Cyber Essentials
Cyber Essentials focuses on five key areas:
1. Securing internet connections,
2. Securing devices and software,
3. Controlling access to data and services,
4. Protecting against malware, and
5. Keeping devices and software up to date.
By implementing these measures, businesses can create a robust foundation for their cybersecurity practices.
Benefits of Becoming Certified
Achieving Cyber Essentials certification offers several advantages.
Firstly, it demonstrates your commitment to cybersecurity, enhancing your reputation and building trust with customers and partners.
Secondly, it helps you identify and address vulnerabilities, reducing the likelihood of a successful cyber attack.
Additionally, certification can lead to cost savings by preventing costly breaches and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Finally, it provides peace of mind, knowing that your organisation is taking proactive steps to protect its digital assets. |
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Cyber security sectoral analysis 2025 |
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The UK cyber security sector continues to thrive, contributing significantly to the economy with £13.2 billion in revenue and £7.8 billion in Gross Value Added.
The sector has created 6,600 new jobs in the past year, demonstrating exceptional performance and growth. The government's AI Opportunities Action Plan emphasises the importance of cyber security in ensuring AI systems are secure and trustworthy by design.
The forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill aims to provide a robust framework for protecting critical national infrastructure, driving up security standards, and ensuring preparedness against attacks. This sector's role is central to enabling the next wave of digital innovation and securing Britain's digital future.
Read more here. |
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The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill 2025, introduced to Parliament on January 30, 2025, aims to improve UK border security and strengthen the asylum and immigration system.
The bill provides new powers and data-sharing arrangements to enable law enforcement agencies to investigate, detect, and disrupt organized immigration crime and serious and organized crime.
It also establishes the framework for the Border Security Command to respond to current and future threats, and strengthens the wider immigration and asylum system.
Find out more. |
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The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has welcomed its move to Homeland Security |
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The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has welcomed its move to Homeland Security under the portfolio of the Minister of State for Security, Dan Jarvis.
This move ensures that both functions of the SIA, including the regulation of the private security industry and the new Martyn’s Law regulator function, complement each other.
The government intends to review the Manchester Arena Inquiry’s monitored recommendations on removing the in-house licensing exemption and introducing business licensing. This initiative aims to improve protective security and security standards at venues across the UK.
Discover more here. |
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6. Upcoming Events & Webinars |
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We are excited to invite you to our live demo webinar, where we will showcase our comprehensive cyber-physical security solution tailored for manufacturing organisations.
This webinar will provide you with an in-depth look at our unique PREPARED methodology, designed to enhance your operational resilience and efficiency.
Date: Tuesday 29th April 2025
Time: 10.30 - 11.30 pm
Register now to secure your spot! |
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Each module in our PREAPRED Framework is designed to be independent and self-sufficient. This allows you to participate in any event where you feel you need support.
I am excited to introduce our other modules below. |
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The first step on your PREPARED journey. In this webinar. we explore our Pre-Assess Canvas that identifies key assets and vulnerabilities in your organisation.
Attending this webinar will mean you will be able to identify critical assets within your business model and assess potential vulnerabilities that could impact your operations.
Next Event
Date: Tuesday 11th March 2025
Time: 10.30 - 11.30 am |
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In this crucial step in your PREPARED journey, we show you how to build on the insights from the Pre-Assess module and create a comprehensive risk assessment.
Attending this module will mean you will be able to create a full risk register tailored to your manufacturing operations. ideal for those client compliance forms!
Next Event
Date: Tuesday 11th March 2025
Time: 2.00 - 3.00 pm |
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A selection of recent case studies & customer reviews... |
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Here, we have curated a selection of valuable security resources that we believe will be beneficial to you.
We provide them here to you FREE to help you make a more informed decision and build a more resilient manufacturing sector.
Download them by clicking on the image.
If there are any others topics you would like us to cover, let us know and we'll get on it! |
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Want to get in touch with us? You can do so using any of the methods below. We look forward to being in contact. |
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Equilibrium Risk. 3M BIC Firth Street, Huddersfield. W Yorks. HD1 3BD. United Kingdom |
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