Information Security Needs True, Visionary Teamwork
Digitalization offers a huge range of opportunities, but this is accompanied by security risks as a result of cybercrime. SSI SCHAEFER, one of the world’s leading providers of solutions in all areas of intralogistics, tackles these challenges with a comprehensive security concept based on standards such as ISO 27001 and IEC 62443, and the “Defense in Depth” approach. By combining cutting-edge technology, a strong partner network, and keen awareness of security issues, the company is able to ensure security in all areas and provide effective support for its customers.
According to Bitkom e.V., the German Association for Information Technology, Telecommunications and New Media, around three-quarters of all German companies have been affected by analog and digital attacks in the last twelve months*. It is therefore a question of when such a threat may occur, not if. A coordinated security concept is vital, particularly in intralogistics, where racks and automated systems have a service life of around 20 years, while integrated computer systems, software, and digital transmission technologies only last for around 5 to 10 years.
Regular updates need to be carried out throughout the entire lifecycle to eliminate security vulnerabilities and errors, alongside zone partitioning, the use of special security systems or, if necessary, the isolation of legacy systems. Cyber- and information security regulations also specify tasks that SSI SCHAEFER encounter with established common standards such as ISO 27001 and IEC 62443.
Mastering Different Roles and Levels
As a global intralogistics system provider, SSI SCHAEFER performs a wide range of roles – acting as a product supplier, an implementation partner, and a maintenance and service partner. Security must be ensured in depth across all levels in all these areas.
The “Defense in Depth” approach means that no single security measure alone is considered enough to provide complete protection for a system or an organization and therefore a holistic approach is pursued. Multiple defense sections are set up so that if one line is crossed, other security mechanisms can always kick in to limit damage or stop the threat. This concept improves the resilience and robustness of the entire security system.
This is highly complex to implement, due not just to the various different lifecycles in the warehouse, but also the need for a holistic concept that covers all SSI SCHAEFER roles, all security levels, and all group locations worldwide, as well as protecting customer systems.
SSI SCHAEFER offers comprehensive security, whether this involves product provision, cooperation as an implementation partner, or acting as a maintenance and service provider.
Think Big, Work Together: Utilizing the Power of Teamwork
How can the essential objectives for information security – confidentiality, integrity, and availability – be achieved? How can you also keep pace with business requirements at the same time and react to changes? SSI SCHAEFER believes that this can be done as long as everyone involved makes their own contribution. Security awareness and knowledge have been established as part of the company’s DNA, ensuring a culture of reliable and secure execution of tasks and projects.
When it comes to creating and establishing cutting-edge OT and IT technologies, SSI SCHAEFER does not just rely on its in-house experts. It also incorporates the resources and expertise of a partner network to ensure that SSI SCHAEFER is always up to date with the latest developments and trends in the IT industry. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a decisive role here, with active use of its competence and suggestions.
When all aspects are addressed together, a company is not only capable of overcoming the challenges it faces, but also of thriving in an increasingly dynamic and competition-oriented environment. SSI SCHAEFER pursues the aim not only of ensuring maximum information security for itself, but also ensuring the secure, seamless delivery and provision of products and services that its customers can rely on. SSI SCHAEFER pursues the aim not only of ensuring maximum information security for itself, but also ensuring the secure, seamless delivery and provision of products and services that its customers can rely on.
*Source press release Berlin, September 1, 2023: https://www.bitkom.org/Presse/Presseinformation/Organisierte-Kriminalitaet-greift-verstaerkt-deutsche-Wirtschaft-an
About the author:
Petra Schlör took up her role in Information Security at SSI SCHAEFER in August 2019 after achieving her Master of Science in Business IT. She has extensive experience of activities in major corporations and in the e-commerce sector. As a certified CISO and lead auditor pursuant to ISO 27001, she not only keeps an eye on the existing information security level for the company, but also pays particular attention to the appropriateness and efficacy of the constantly developing technical and organizational security measures at SSI SCHAEFER.
As a globally active company, SSI SCHAEFER ensures that it meets the highest security requirements and offers consistently trustworthy solutions to its customers.