Advanced Detection and Threat Management for IT and OT

When a nation-state actor attacks the energy grid, entire cities can grind to a halt. Malicious attacks on public transport or military communication can cost lives. A cyberattack on the drinking water supply can result in widespread shortages. Protecting critical systems from devastating cyberattacks is complex work. And yet, if you are an IT professional or an asset manager working in an IT/OT environment, you likely don’t have the opportunity to cooperate with other internal teams to develop comprehensive solutions.

TNO takes a targeted, two-fold approach to addressing the unique challenges of critical IT/OT systems. First, we offer the essential, innovative anomaly detection technologies and complementary autonmous response solutions to protect your critical systems. We also show you how to effectively use and configure your existing methods and tools, whether developed by TNO or by another party.

Second, we make the connections that count. We facilitate collaboration within organisations, so that the shared priority of cybersecurity takes the unique perspectives of essential internal stakeholders into account. And we facilitate effective collaboration between different organisations working together toward the same goals.

Zero-day attacks use vulnerabilities never exploited before, and no rule-based approach can detect them. In addition, AI systems can launch attacks at greater speed and complexity than human attackers. Detection of these sophisticated threats requires behavioural analysis and anomaly detection.

TNO develops detection systems that analyse fundamental system behaviour, rather than relying only on signatures. We analyse an organisation’s data to uncover critical alert needs and develop detection algorithms based on behavioural analytics to identify anomalies or AI-driven attacks. For example, by detecting anomalies in relation to Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) communication, we can provide human operators, who control physical processes including pumps and motors, with the insights they need to respond to cyber threats safely and with trustworthy information.

TNO has developed methodology for innovation projects that enables an exponentially higher innovation success rate than is the standard. Our services extend beyond pure technology to address the crucial human aspects of effective defence strategies. Our highly collaborative project methodology enables our partners to work alongside us as integral team members in the innovation process.

TNO acts as a sounding board for organisations, whether your organisation has a CISO or not. To achieve maximum impact, we help assess organisational risk and facilitate decision-making for the allocation of time and funding for cyber security across people, processes, and technologies. We foster the connections between critical organisational silos, such as asset managers who control funding and operational risks, and cybersecurity staff, responsible for secure digital implementations. By engaging managers, engineers, and analysts in the innovation process, we increase their awareness and stimulate their critical thinking about new threats. Long after our project ends, organisations can maintain a strong, threat-conscious defence team.