Mitsubishi Electric and Dispel Strengthen Partnership to Enhance Operational Technology Security

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has recently announced a strategic partnership with Dispel LLC, a renowned developer and distributor of secure remote-access and operational-management solutions, as part of an effort to bolster their operational technology security business.

The surge in interest for remote maintenance, which involves monitoring and troubleshooting production lines from remote locations using internet technology, has been largely driven by the globalization of manufacturing, as well as the widespread adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) and digital transformation. However, the increased accessibility of factory systems through the internet has also led to a rise in security risks, particularly in the form of cyberattacks targeting communication pathways. This, in turn, has posed a significant deterrent to the widespread adoption of remote maintenance practices.

Furthermore, the use of equipment from multiple vendors in large manufacturing sites has resulted in the need for a dedicated communication path for each vendor’s equipment, thereby exposing multiple communication paths to security risks. Given these challenges, the collaboration between Mitsubishi Electric and Dispel LLC is poised to play a critical role in addressing these security concerns and bolstering the operational technology security landscape.

Under the terms of the agreement, Mitsubishi Electric and Dispel LLC will work together to integrate Mitsubishi Electric’s factory-automation (FA) equipment and OT security solutions with Dispel’s secure remote-access technology. This integration will pave the way for the provision of a Zero Trust Remote Access Service, which will be instrumental in monitoring, controlling, and verifying remote-access operations involving equipment in manufacturing facilities.

For Mitsubishi Electric, this partnership holds the promise of accelerating digital manufacturing by harnessing the power of data across entire product lifecycles, ranging from design and installation to operation and maintenance. As a result, this collaboration is poised to play a pivotal role in fortifying Mitsubishi Electric’s Circular Digital-Engineering business.

In conclusion, the collaboration between Mitsubishi Electric and Dispel LLC represents a significant step towards enhancing the operational technology security landscape. By leveraging the strengths of both companies, the partnership is well-positioned to tackle the evolving security challenges associated with remote maintenance in manufacturing facilities and pave the way for a more secure and resilient operational technology environment.