Exploring how cutting-edge Cyber Security Managed Services help manufacturers adapt a Zero Trust Security Model that helps drastically reduce cyber risk

Many of AVATAR’s manufacturing clients are embracing digital transformation, leveraging IT, OT, and IoT to drive growth and efficiency. However, many are concerned that they are unable to effectively defend their connected ecosystem from cyberattacks.

AVATAR can help manufacturers adapt a zero trust security model that helps drastically reduce their risk while allowing them to capture the benefits of digital transformation.

What is a Zero Trust Security Model?

As the name implies, the zero trust security model essentially enforces a way of working where no users, applications, or devices are trusted by default. Access requests at any point in the system are verified and authenticated. This approach of continuous and repeated re-verification and re-authentication is a proven way to reduce cybersecurity risks and the chance of a cyber breach. Zero trust assumes that a breach at some point in time is inevitable. A popular term when assessing change ot risk is to ‘blast radius’, the concept of how much of the system could be impacted and how much downtime could be incurred. The zero trust approach minimizes the blast radius by ‘ringfencing’ assets and resources. If there is a problem, the immediate goal is to limit the impact so more parts of the system are not compromised.

MFA – Multi-Factor Authentication

Having strong password requirements has been a well-known way to reduce the risk of unauthorized access for quite a while. Many systems ban the use of consecutive numbers in a password or names, some systems require special characters, a mix of numbers and letters, and a mix of upper and lower case. It is also common to block a new password from being one of the recently used passwords to avoid users cycling between familiar, easy-to-remember passwords. Being smart about passwords extends beyond the rules for a valid set of characters; it extends to not sharing the password, not having it written down, and not allowing someone else to watch as it is entered. MFA, multi-factor authentication, requires another verification in addition to the password, such as a thumbprint, a facial scan, or a code being sent to a mobile phone. This way, even if someone else does find out the password to a system with MFA enabled, they will be prohibited from logging in, thus making the system more secure.

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Managing user accounts could relate to identities, permissions associated with the account, and varying access levels to data. Risk is reduced for instance when individuals have their own account versus a group account, as it can be risky for several people to share a password and it is not possible to keep an audit trail of which actions were carried out by a specific person. Some companies that historically allowed generic access to a group account have switched to a model where each person has their own login. Another good practice is to limit a user’s access to the scope of their job, and nothing further. This means that if personnel in one department need to look up details in a database and would never need to update it, they should be granted read-only access. This principle of least privilege helps reduce the risk of manual errors as well as tightening security protocols.

Network Segmentation

By isolating sections of the network in a system, if a breach does occur, then its spread can be limited, reducing the ‘blast radius’ mentioned earlier. Alerting and monitoring could raise an alert when a breach is detected, and network segmentation can help pinpoint the assets at risk.

Cybersecurity matters. With so much at stake, especially around reputation management and trust, AVATAR offers a range of Managed Cybersecurity Services that allow clients to focus on their core business with peace of mind that cybersecurity is being effectively handled. If you’re ready to find out more, give us a call today, minimize the risk to your business, not just today, but every day.

How Manufacturers Are Strengthening Cybersecurity with Zero Trust and Managed Services

As manufacturers embrace digital transformation—connecting IT, OT, and IoT to streamline operations and fuel innovation—they’re also expanding their attack surface. With more systems and devices online than ever before, traditional perimeter-based security models are no longer enough.

That’s why many of AVATAR’s manufacturing clients are turning to Managed Cyber Security Services and the Zero Trust Security Model to dramatically reduce their cyber risk—without sacrificing agility or efficiency.

What is the Zero Trust Security Model?

In today’s threat landscape, trust is a vulnerability. The Zero Trust model operates on a simple yet powerful principle: never trust, always verify.

Instead of assuming that users, devices, or applications inside the network are safe, Zero Trust continuously verifies every access request. Think of it as a security checkpoint that operates 24/7—ensuring that only the right people, using secure devices, with the proper permissions, can access critical assets.

Even if a breach occurs, Zero Trust reduces the blast radius—the potential scope and damage of an attack—by ringfencing sensitive data and systems. It’s about containment, resilience, and rapid response.

Core Elements of Zero Trust in Practice

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
   Passwords alone aren’t enough. MFA adds an extra layer of defense by requiring users to verify their identity through additional methods, like a fingerprint, a texted code, or a facial scan. Even if credentials are compromised, unauthorized users are blocked from gaining access.
2. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
   IAM ensures that every user has the appropriate level of access—and nothing more. By assigning individual accounts and enforcing the principle of least privilege, organizations can limit human error, prevent privilege misuse, and maintain detailed audit trails of activity.
3. Network Segmentation
   Segmenting networks into isolated zones helps contain breaches. If one area is compromised, network segmentation prevents the threat from spreading across the entire system. Combined with real-time monitoring and alerting, this approach enhances visibility and speeds up incident response.

Why Managed Services Matter

Cybersecurity isn’t a one-and-done solution—it’s an ongoing process. That’s where AVATAR’s Managed Cyber Security Services come in. We help manufacturers implement and maintain a Zero Trust framework that:

• Aligns with their digital transformation goals
• Protects critical infrastructure and sensitive data
• Reduces operational downtime and financial exposure
• Builds trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders

Cyber Threats Won’t Wait. Neither Should You.
Cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s foundational to growth and resilience in modern manufacturing. AVATAR is here to help you strengthen your defenses without slowing down innovation.

Ready to reduce risk and secure your future?
Let’s talk. Contact AVATAR today and take the first step toward a safer, smarter digital operation.