SK Shieldus announced on July 6 that it will implement an integrated control system (OT/ICS) intrusion response platform at EcoPro, a secondary battery manufacturer. This initiative aims to enhance security measures across EcoPro's production processes, from anomaly detection to analysis and response.
As part of its proactive approach to strengthening security, EcoPro has been upgrading its infrastructure and integrated security monitoring systems at its domestic and international plants. Recently, the company has expanded its security measures to include production equipment.
In the secondary battery industry, rapid identification of threats is crucial for maintaining production stability. However, existing operational technology environments often feature dispersed security systems, making integrated responses challenging. Additionally, the closed network nature of these systems limits the application of IT security measures. The market's reliance on foreign single-vendor solutions also increases the burden on small and medium-sized enterprises.
To address these challenges, SK Shieldus plans to pilot its integrated OT/ICS intrusion response platform at EcoPro's Pohang factory. This platform is designed to protect the entire industrial environment by integrating functions such as authentication and access management, threat detection, and response, in collaboration with partners like Maninsoft, Amgin, and Sensiton, as part of the Korea Internet & Security Agency's '2026 Integrated Security Model Development Pilot Project.'
According to the company, the platform employs a non-intrusive method that allows security measures to be implemented without changes to equipment or networks, along with a Human-in-the-Loop (HITL) structure that involves experts in final decision-making after detection. This approach ensures both operational stability and response accuracy. The modular structure also enhances flexibility, allowing for gradual implementation and expansion based on the size and environment of the enterprise.
Kim Byeong-mu, Vice President of Cybersecurity at SK Shieldus, stated, "It is essential to integrate and manage the dispersed security systems across the OT environment into a single platform to enhance visibility and response speed in operational settings. Through this pilot, we aim to validate an integrated response model optimized for the field environment and strengthen the overall cyber resilience of the industry."
The importance of OT/ICS security is growing alongside the digital transformation of industrial sites. Historically, industrial control systems in factories, power plants, and water treatment facilities operated on closed networks. However, the recent proliferation of smart factories, remote monitoring, and cloud adoption has increased intersections with IT networks, raising concerns that existing IT security threats could migrate to production equipment and control networks.
Moreover, OT/ICS breaches can lead to physical damages, including production halts, equipment malfunctions, and safety incidents, rather than just information leaks. Given their connection to national infrastructure in manufacturing, energy, transportation, and water treatment, there is an increasing need for integrated security systems that encompass anomaly detection, root cause analysis, incident response, and recovery.
SK Shieldus has accumulated extensive experience in establishing and operating OT security across various manufacturing sectors, including semiconductors, batteries, and chemicals. Building on this foundation, the company is enhancing its response framework to cover the entire cycle from consulting to implementation, operation, and monitoring.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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