CrowdStrike & CYSIAM: Boosting Supply Chain Resilience

The UK Defence sector supply chain faces increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, posing risks to the operational integrity, security and development of the nation’s defence systems.

These supply networks are challenging to defend. They are typically complex, involving numerous tiers of suppliers, sensitive data including military plans and high- or state-level systems that are prime targets for attack. 

As a result, effective safeguarding requires a multi-layered approach consisting of robust cyber resilience practices. These should be built on key strategic priorities including risk assessment and management, strong and innovative capabilities in network security and encryption, and the development of an incident, response and recovery strategy. 

Collaboration and information sharing are also critical, not least to share best practices and deliver a coordinated response to cyber threats. 

This is the goal of a new partnership between CYSIAM, a leading provider of cyber security and resilience services, and cybersecurity leader CrowdStrike. 

The companies have come together to help equip defence organisations with advanced protection powered by CrowdStrike’s Falcon cybersecurity platform and safeguard critical national infrastructure. 

Securing complex supply chains

The UK Ministry of Defence is evolving and updating its guidance and compliance standards for its supply chain to increase cyber resilience. 

This was explained in a letter from the Second Permanent Secretary, DG Chief Information Officer and DG Commercial to defence sector CEOs and business leaders that stated the necessity for improved cyber security standards for suppliers. 

The letter, published in May 2024, set out a Cyber Security Model (CSM) outlining cyber risk profiles for suppliers, as well as the minimum cyber security control requirements of a supplier organisation.

It includes information and requirements on critical security areas such as risk management and assessment, threat intelligence capabilities, governance, asset management and supply chain risk, inventory management and identity and access control.

Shared commitment to security

By collaborating, CYSIAM and CrowdStrike will deliver proactive and real-time capabilities to combat the advanced cyber threats faced by national defence systems. 

The partnership will focus on delivering bespoke cyber security solutions that align with the Ministry of Defence’s requirements and regulations, supporting compliance and operational excellence. 

It will also support ongoing efforts to enhance the resilience of the UK’s critical defence supply chain against current and emerging threats.

“The UK Defence sector supply chain is the backbone of our national security, and it is imperative that it remains resilient in the face of escalating cyber threats,” says David Allan, CEO of CYSIAM. 

“By partnering with CrowdStrike, we are ensuring our clients benefit from best-in-class technology and services to protect their assets and operations, while demonstrating compliance with risk-based procurement standards. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to strengthening the UK’s cyber defences at every level.”

Combining incident response and cyber intelligence

The new partnership combines CYSIAM’s UK-based, 24/7 expertise in incident response and managed security services with CrowdStrike’s industry-leading threat intelligence and AI-powered security platforms. 

CYSIAM is a leading provider of cybersecurity, resilience and managed security services, specialising in the protection of critical infrastructure and global supply chains. 

It applies state-level cybersecurity expertise to deliver sustainable strategies and greater resilience following a five-phase iterative process from effective preparation to detection and preventative measures. 

“CYSIAM’s deep understanding of the UK Defence sector and supply chain dynamics aligns perfectly with CrowdStrike’s mission to stop breaches,” says Ben Emslie, Vice President Sales, Northern Europe, CrowdStrike.

“Together, we’re delivering a security-first approach that empowers defence organisations to anticipate, detect, and respond to adversaries with AI in an increasingly complex threat landscape.”

CrowdStrike’s Falcon platform will play a crucial role in delivering effective services. It uses cloud-based AI to detect and prevent threats across devices and networks, and provides endpoint protection, threat intelligence, and incident response, helping organisations worldwide proactively defend against cyberattacks.

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