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Manufacturing in the digital age

In this article, Eric Herzog, CMO at Infinidat, explores how to protect your enterprise with cyber resilient storage: A significant transformation is underway in manufacturing enterprises, as traditional boundaries between Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT) systems rapidly dissolve. This convergence, driven as a result of ongoing digital transformation and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technology, is enabling manufacturers to achieve new levels of efficiency, productivity, and visibility across their operations. However, as these systems become increasingly integrated, the risks - particularly in the realm of cyber security - are also escalating. Understanding the changing landscape Historically, manufacturers have relied on OT systems to manage their core physical processes and machinery on the factory floor, focusing on real-time control and automation. In contrast, IT systems have taken care of data processing, business operations, and enterprise resource planning requirements. Initially, these systems would have been running independently, but in recent years, manufacturers have invested in more integrated manufacturing environments, where data flows seamlessly between shop floor equipment and enterprise systems. This integration is essential for efficiency. It enables real-time monitoring, advanced analytics, and data-driven decision-making, leading to optimised production processes and vastly improved business outcomes. At the heart of a manufacturing business is the Manufacturing Execution System (MES). The MES connects production equipment with business applications, supporting the planning, monitoring, documentation, and control of manufacturing processes in real time. It also acts as a bridge to higher-level ERP systems and industrial automation platforms, providing comprehensive visibility and enabling enterprises to make informed, data-driven decisions. But herein lies the risk, because integration is also a somewhat double-edged sword. There are plenty of upsides, but the cyber security risks can grind an enterprise to a halt. Integration upsides Here are three of the immediate benefits realised through OT and IT system integration: • Potential for real-time data analysis — Integrated OT/IT systems allow for immediate feedback and adjustments, reducing downtime and waste. • Enhanced communication — Seamless data exchange between shop floor and enterprise systems leads to better coordination and a faster response to all issues. • Optimised production — Enterprises can fine-tune their processes based on live data, improving quality and throughput. Integration downsides These operational advantages also expose manufacturers to additional cyber security threats. This question of cyber risk is for all industry sectors. The UK government’s 2024 Cyber Security Breaches Survey found that half of UK businesses experienced a cyber breach or attack in the past year, with the rate even higher among medium (70%) and large (74%) businesses. Manufacturing enterprises are an especially attractive target for cyber criminals for multiple reasons. They rely on complex, interconnected supply chains. They tend to be running a larger number of legacy systems than other industry sectors and this can create security blind spots. They also provide a high-impact target, because a successful cyberattack can disrupt an entire supply chain. Dealing with a cyberattack is also very costly. According to Make UK, an organisation representing manufacturers, nearly half of British manufacturers suffered cyberattacks in the previous year. A quarter reported losses between £50,000 and £250,000, and 65% experienced production downtime. But the true costs of a cyberattack run much deeper, because many attacks involve data exfiltration. In these cases, sensitive intellectual property or customer information is stolen and potentially sold or leaked. Data breaches are one of the biggest security threats, and new research from Deloitte - conducted with the Manufacturing Leadership Council in 2024 - quantifies this. The study reported that 48% of manufacturers experienced at least one data breach in the past 12 months, at an average cost of £2.1 million per breach. The devastating impact of storage targeted attacks A ransomware attack on enterprise storage systems can cripple a manufacturer, potentially completely halting production processes as data and files become encrypted and inaccessible. Such an attack can also compromise the entire manufacturing operation, from design and engineering data to supply chain management information. If key files are encrypted, the enterprise may not have access to product specifications, production schedules, and customer orders. Operations can be brought to a stand-still and the implications are far reaching, potentially also damaging long-term projects, customer relationships, and the business reputation. Investing in cyber resilience is not just business best practice; it is mandated by law. The EU’s NIS2 directive (2024) sets strict requirements for cyber risk management in critical sectors including manufacturing. And although no longer bound by EU laws, the UK will be releasing its own regulations with the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, expected to be ratified later in 2025. It is now widely accepted that, these days, it’s not a case of 'if my enterprise will be attacked', but 'when will I be attacked, how often will I be attacked, and, most importantly, how quickly can I recover?' Cyberattacks are occurring constantly. They have become an inevitable part of being in business. As the likelihood of an attack has evolved, so too have the techniques used, and completely preventing any form of cyber security breach is no longer realistic. Instead, manufacturers should focus on building cyber storage resilience into their enterprise storage and maximising their ability to detect, respond to, and recover quickly from attacks. Six foundations for cyber resilient storage A cyber resilient storage infrastructure to support manufacturing business continuity is built on six key principles: 1. Immutable snapshots — Rather than creating simple backups, manufacturers need secure, unalterable data copies taken at specific intervals. These immutable snapshots ensure that critical production and business data remains unchanged after creation, providing a reliable recovery source regardless of attack sophistication. 2. Logical and remote air-gapping — Effective cyber resilient storage requires logical isolation of immutable snapshots from network access. Air-gapping - implemented locally, remotely, or both - creates an additional protection layer that keeps recovery data segregated from potential infection vectors. 3. Automated detection and response — The speed of modern cyberattacks renders manual monitoring insufficient. Manufacturing companies need automated cyber security capabilities: Automated Cyber Protection (ACP) that integrates seamlessly with their existing security stack, including Security Operations Centres (SOC); Security Information and Event Management (SIEM); and Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms. These systems should automatically trigger immutable snapshots when security incidents are detected. 4. Fenced forensic environment — Recovery from cyberattacks requires a completely isolated network environment for forensic analysis. This 'fenced' area allows for thorough data testing and integrity verification, ensuring that recovered data isn't compromised before reintroduction to production systems. 5. Near-instantaneous recovery — Critical for manufacturing operations is the ability to retrieve clean data copies within minutes, regardless of dataset size. Manufacturing processes are particularly time-sensitive, making rapid recovery capabilities essential for minimising production disruption and financial losses. 6. Scanning for cyber threats in your storage estate — Leveraging advanced AI and ML technology, you can scan your storage at regular intervals to see if there is a cyber threat. This gives you two different advantages: First, by scanning on a regular basis, you may uncover a cyber threat. Then, you can report that to the cyber security elements in your data centre as an 'early warning system.' Second, if you have an attack, the ability to search your immutable snapshots for a dataset free from any cyberattack gives you much faster and more reliable recovery. Road to proactive cyber storage resilience The integration of OT and IT is transforming manufacturing and unlocking new efficiencies, but it is also heightening the cyber security risk. As cyberattacks become more frequent and sophisticated, manufacturers must adopt a proactive, resilience-focused approach to their cyber security and enterprise storage. This means investing in advanced, cyber resilient storage, with robust defences and rapid data recovery capabilities. By prioritising these investments, manufacturing enterprises can reap all the benefits that integration offers, safeguard their operations, and protect data and intellectual property - even in the face of an increasingly hostile cyber threat landscape. For more from Infinidat, click here.

Cadence adds NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD to digital twin platform

Cadence, a developer of electronic design automation software, has expanded its Reality Digital Twin Platform library with a digital model of NVIDIA’s DGX SuperPOD with DGX GB200 systems. The addition is aimed at supporting data centre designers and operators in planning and managing facilities for large-scale AI workloads. The Reality Digital Twin Platform enables users to create detailed digital replicas of data centres, simulating power, cooling, space, and performance requirements before physical deployment. By adding the NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD, Cadence says engineers can model AI factory environments with greater accuracy, supporting faster deployment and improved operational efficiency. Digital twins for AI data centres Michael Jackson, Senior Vice President of System Design and Analysis at Cadence, says, “Rapidly scaling AI requires confidence that you can meet your design requirements with the target equipment and utilities. "With the addition of a digital model of NVIDIA’s DGX SuperPOD with DGX GB200 systems to our Cadence Reality Digital Twin Platform library, designers can model behaviourally accurate simulations of some of the most powerful accelerated systems in the world, reducing design time and improving decision-making accuracy for mission-critical projects.” Tim Costa, General Manager of Industrial and Computational Engineering at NVIDIA, adds, “Creating the digital twin of our DGX SuperPOD with DGX GB200 systems is an important step in enabling the ecosystem to accelerate AI factory buildouts. "This step in our ongoing collaboration with Cadence fills a crucial need as the pace of innovation increases and time-to-service shrinks.” The Cadence Reality Digital Twin Platform allows engineers to drag and drop vendor-provided models into simulations to design and test data centres. It can also be used to evaluate upgrade paths, failure scenarios, and long-term performance. The library currently contains more than 14,000 items from over 750 vendors. Industry engagement The addition of the NVIDIA model is part of Cadence’s ongoing collaboration with NVIDIA, following earlier support for the NVIDIA Omniverse blueprint for AI factory design. Cadence will highlight the expanded platform at the AI Infra Summit in Santa Clara from 9-11 September, where company experts will take part in keynotes, panels, and talks on chip efficiency and simulation-driven data centre operations. For more from Cadence, click here.

NorthC to build new data centre at uptownBasel campus

NorthC, a Dutch provider of sustainable data centre and colocation services, has signed an agreement to develop a regional data centre at the uptownBasel Innovation Campus in Arlesheim, Switzerland. The project expands NorthC’s existing collaboration with uptownBasel and will deliver a facility designed to support advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, diagnostics, and personalised medicine. Construction is scheduled to begin around 18 months after planning approval, with operations expected to start by mid-2027. Sustainable design and regional focus In its first phase, the facility will cover 2,500 m² and provide 6 MVA of power capacity. It will be powered entirely by renewable energy, with backup systems running on green diesel, part of NorthC’s goal to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. The centre will also incorporate waste heat reuse for residential heating. Hans-Jörg Fankhauser, founder of uptownBasel, says, “With NorthC, we have a partner that shares our vision, one that understands the potential of operating a data centre on a globally recognised innovation campus.” Fankhauser adds that uptownBasel aims to be “a platform for leading networks in medical technology, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and the future of work. We aim to attract startups and talent to Arlesheim early on in their journey.” NorthC already operates two facilities in nearby Münchenstein and says the new site will strengthen its role as an infrastructure provider for MedTech, Industry 4.0, and AI in the Basel region. With this development, the company will operate five data centres in Switzerland. Alexandra Schless, CEO of NorthC Group, comments, “We are very pleased to deepen our partnership with uptownBasel. The construction of this data centre underscores our continued commitment to Switzerland as a strategic location and reflects our belief in innovation and the future.” For more from NorthC, click here.

Fluke launches DC kits to reduce fibre failures

Fluke Networks, a manufacturer of network certification and troubleshooting tools, has introduced a set of Versiv Data Center Kits designed to help technicians and engineers prevent copper and fibre connectivity issues, as well as troubleshoot them more efficiently. The launch comes as global demand for data centre capacity continues to rise, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and hyperscale facilities. With increasing density in fibre connections, contamination and testing challenges are becoming more significant risks to uptime. Kits for fibre inspection and troubleshooting The new kits include: • Fibre and Copper Commissioning and Troubleshooting Kit – for verifying and optimising networks throughout a data centre’s lifecycle, from commissioning to upgrades and troubleshooting • Fibre Inspection Kit – aimed at reducing failures by addressing end-face contamination, a leading cause of fibre performance issues • MPO Maintenance and Troubleshooting Kit – designed to speed up multi-fibre trunk testing by up to 80% with single-button operation Alongside the kits, Fluke is also releasing accessories that support Very Small Form Factor (VSFF) connectors, which enable higher connection density. These accessories allow users of the CertiFiber Pro Optical Loss Test Set to apply the recommended single-jumper reference method for testing MDC connections, as well as inspect and clean MMC, MDC, and SN connectors. Nigel Hedges, Application and Technical Specialist at Fluke Networks, says, “With over 9,000 data centres worldwide, and AI, cloud, and hyperscale technologies driving explosive growth, infrastructure teams are under unprecedented pressure. "The new Versiv Data Center Kits are designed to help technicians and engineers meet that challenge head-on - equipping them with tools to prevent failures, speed up troubleshooting, and ensure high-density fibre connections are clean, tested, and reliable.” Fluke Networks says the kits are intended to support teams working in hyperscale and enterprise environments, where the margin for error is minimal and preventative maintenance is essential to maintaining resilience.

EcoDataCenter secures €600m for expansion

Swedish sustainable data centre operator EcoDataCenter has raised €600 million (£518 million) in debt financing from Deutsche Bank Private Credit and Infrastructure to support the continued growth of its data centre operations. The funding will be used to expand its campuses in Falun and Borlänge, Sweden, where the company is developing facilities focused on high-performance computing and artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. Financing to drive AI data centre growth EcoDataCenter has been expanding rapidly over the past two years. In 2024, it partnered with AI provider CoreWeave to build one of Europe’s largest AI clusters in Falun, and later that year it acquired the former Kvarnsveden paper mill in Borlänge to convert the site into additional data centre capacity. With the latest funding, EcoDataCenter and its owner, Areim, have now secured a total of around €1.8 billion (£1.5 billion) since 2023. Peter Michelson, CEO of EcoDataCenter, says, “AI infrastructure is a new base industry and we are building one of Europe’s most exciting companies in the sector. We are proud of the trust placed in us and look forward to continuing our journey towards becoming Europe’s leading player in high-performance data centres.” Johan Rydmark, CFO of EcoDataCenter, adds, “Our platform attracts partnerships with world-leading companies and we have a proven ability to deliver the scale and flexibility our customers demand. "The fact that we can attract financing of this magnitude is a testament to the strength of our business model and the confidence the market has in our team and strategy.” EcoDataCenter opened its first site in Falun in 2019 and has since expanded its footprint to meet growing demand for compute-intensive workloads. Its customer base includes organisations such as BMW, DeepL, and CoreWeave. LionTree Advisors acted as financial advisor and White & Case LLP served as legal counsel for the transaction. For more from EcoDataCenter, click here.

DE-CIX explores orbital interconnection with Space-IX

Internet exchange (IX) operator DE-CIX is extending its interconnection vision beyond Earth through its Space-IX initiative, which aims to connect satellite constellations and space-based assets with terrestrial digital ecosystems. The company, which operates more than 60 internet exchanges worldwide and connects over 4,000 networks, is investigating what the first orbital IX could look like. Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX, says, "Wherever networks are created, interconnection should follow. "We’ve spent 30 years building the backbone of the internet here on Earth. Now, we’re bringing that same neutral, high-performance interconnection model to the next layer of digital infrastructure, above the clouds and to the stars." Research into satellite connectivity DE-CIX is working with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) on the European Space Agency’s OFELIAS project, which is researching how laser-based communications can improve satellite connectivity. Optical links promise higher data rates than radio-based systems, but require advanced protocols to mitigate challenges such as atmospheric interference and cloud cover. While OFELIAS focuses on data flow between satellites and ground stations, DE-CIX’s broader Space-IX initiative is investigating how to interconnect space-based infrastructure at scale, laying the foundations for an orbital internet exchange. Bridging space and terrestrial ecosystems "As satellites become part of the digital supply chain - whether delivering broadband to underserved communities, powering AI for businesses, or enabling orbital analytics - we need an architecture that unites space and Earth into one seamless ecosystem," Ivo continues. "This collaboration is the very beginning of our answer to that challenge." In August, DE-CIX India became the first Internet Exchange in the country to integrate Starlink into its ecosystem. Through Space-IX, DE-CIX is working with satellite operators to ensure orbital networks connect effectively with terrestrial infrastructure, particularly for latency-sensitive applications. From global broadband and IoT to remote sensing and AI, the space economy is projected to reach $1.8 trillion (£1.3 trillion) by 2035. DE-CIX argues that orbital networks must interconnect intelligently with terrestrial networks, content providers, and cloud platforms to avoid developing in isolation. For more from DE-CIX, click here.

International Cyber Expo 2025 returns

The International Cyber Expo is fast approaching, taking place 30 September - 1 October 2025 at the Olympia London. Start planning your visit now by exploring the 2025 Event Preview and securing your free pass today. Get ready for: • Mind-blowing content — Three action-packed stages featuring the brightest minds in cyber security.• Next-level networking — Meet industry leaders, innovators, and peers ready to collaborate.• Innovative new features — Be the first to see what’s shaping the future of cyber security.• A packed exhibition floor — Discover ground-breaking solutions, products, and ideas, all in one place. Be part of the most dynamic and interactive showcase in the cyber security calendar. Register for free here. For more from the International Cyber Expo, click here.

Quantum-ready FN-DSA (FIPS 206) nears draft approval

NIST has submitted the draft standard for FN-DSA (FIPS 206), the FALCON-based digital signature scheme, moving it closer to formal adoption as part of the post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standardisation process. FN-DSA was selected alongside ML-DSA and SLH-DSA for PQC standardisation, but its approval has taken longer due to mathematical complexity and refinements to its components. With the draft now submitted, the first release is imminent. The draft will be published as an Initial Public Draft (IPD) for open review. While the timeline has not been finalised, it may coincide with the NIST PQC Standardisation Conference in September 2025. Based on past schedules, the review period is expected to last around one year, with a final standard likely in late 2026 or early 2027. Industry preparations Companies such as DigiCert, a US-based digital security company, are preparing for FN-DSA’s rollout. To avoid confusion around naming and identifiers, DigiCert has stated it will not implement FN-DSA in production until the standard is finalised. In the meantime, the company will make the IPD version available for experimentation through DigiCert Labs, which already hosts FALCON for testing. This will enable the wider community to trial the draft standard before formal approval. Role in post-quantum cryptography FN-DSA is seen as a special purpose scheme rather than a replacement for ML-DSA. Its smaller signature sizes could reduce certificate chain lengths, which is valuable in environments where efficiency is a priority. However, due to the complexity of FALCON’s signing process, FN-DSA is less suited for frequently signed leaf certificates. Instead, it is expected to be more useful for root and intermediate certificates. NIST has also signalled potential adjustments to signing and sampling methods, which could broaden FN-DSA’s applications once the draft specification is published. The progress of FN-DSA marks another milestone in the move towards quantum-safe standards. Organisations are being encouraged to begin preparation now by testing draft algorithms, trialling implementations, and developing crypto-agility strategies to ensure a smooth transition as PQC standards are finalised. For more from DigiCert, click here.

Daikin to showcase cooling at DCD London

Daikin, a Japanese manufacturer of air conditioning and refrigeration systems, will present its latest data centre cooling technologies at Data Centre Dynamics (DCD) London this September. The company’s team will share strategies to support energy efficiency, operational resilience, and sustainability in mission-critical environments. The event takes place at the Business Design Centre in London, where delegates will hear how Daikin’s systems are "designed to meet rising demand from artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and edge processing." Cooling systems for high-density environments Daikin will highlight its glycol-free chillers from the TZ D series, designed to provide enhanced heat transfer while avoiding the risks and maintenance associated with glycol-based systems. These air-cooled chillers operate from –20°C to +55°C, with options extending to –35°C for colder climates, and feature integrated free cooling to reduce energy use and emissions. For airside applications, Daikin says it offers: • Pro-C CRAH units delivering 30–200kW of cooling, with optimised airflow for high-density racks and aisle containment systems• Pro-W fan arrays providing up to 500kW of cooling, with modular configurations for scalable performance in large-scale data halls Intelligent control for energy efficiency The company will also demonstrate its Intelligent Data Center Manager (iDCM), a control platform capable of sequencing up to 20 chillers and pumps. By applying AI and machine learning, iDCM aims to build real-time performance profiles to balance load, extend equipment life, and cut energy use. Daikin says iDCM can achieve energy savings of up to 20% compared with conventional control, while supporting Tier III and Tier IV resilience requirements. The system is designed to improve Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE), and total cost of ownership. Supporting net-zero targets Francesco Di Giovanni, Senior Consulting Engineer at Daikin, will host a technical lunch session at DCD London. Drawing on over 15 years of experience across EMEA, he will explore the role of thermal management in the AI era, presenting approaches to improve efficiency, manage system loads, and enable progress towards net zero. Daikin’s cooling systems use low-GWP refrigerants, reclaimed gases, and modular design to reduce embodied carbon and meet regulatory requirements such as F-Gas and MEES. The company’s vertically integrated supply chain and lifecycle service model aim to ensure long-term reliability in data centre environments. For more from Daikin, click here.

Zoho to open new UK data centre

Zoho, a provider of cloud-based business software and productivity tools, has announced it will open a new UK data centre in the first quarter of 2026. The announcement comes alongside 43% growth in the UK and a tripling of staff numbers over the past two years. The new facility will allow customers to retain data within the UK, addressing demand for greater data sovereignty, particularly in sectors such as financial services and the public sector. The company will also relocate its UK office from Bletchley to Milton Keynes in the same quarter to support further team expansion. Strengthening UK operations and compliance Zoho’s UK strategy is built around its Transnational Localism programme, which provides local teams to support customer needs and contribute to self-reliant regional economies. The latest growth expands its customer-facing staff across sales, support, and marketing. Sachin Agrawal, UK Managing Director of Zoho, says, "In a constantly moving landscape impacted by geopolitical tensions and economic instability we are focusing deeply on enhancing the customer experience we provide to our UK customer base. "We understand the shift to customers wanting to host their data within the boundaries of the UK, which is particularly important in industries such as the public sector and financial services. Data privacy and protection continue to be at the core of our operations and is enhanced further with our new data centre. "Investment in our new office space enables us to continue to strengthen our growing team, ensuring that we not only deliver the best software, but the best service and support from those with excellent local knowledge of the market." At its Zoholics Birmingham event, Zoho also confirmed new compliance features for UK customers. Zoho Books is now recognised by HMRC for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax Self Assessment (ITSA), adding to its existing approval for VAT. From April 2026, this regulation will apply to sole traders with qualifying income above £50,000 and from April 2027 to those above £30,000.