Navigating Cybersecurity Challenges in a Borderless World

In the era where global organisations face advanced attacks from nation-backed actors and profit-driven groups, cybersecurity has emerged as a vital element of modern governance. Additionally to the risks of data exposure and high-profile breaches, the growing threats have also led regulatory frameworks to evolve. One example is the Australian Federal Government's implementation of fines exceeding $50 million for companies that neglect to bolster their data security and experience significant data breaches.

Amidst this dynamic backdrop, modern businesses operating globally face the challenge of maintaining their products’ security while navigating diverse regulations across regions and legal systems. For manufacturers, staying ahead of cybersecurity measures and regulations is vital, as not doing so can result in costly breaches and penalties for them and their customers.

To proactively avoid fines and minimise the risks of data breaches, manufacturers and their partners must not only build awareness of existing rules, but also collaborate throughout the chain to better secure their products and solutions.

Nurturing Strong Partnerships for a Fortified Digital Ecosystem

In the intricate balance between cybersecurity and governance, the choice of partners and their commitment to security measures and data protection can significantly impact the overall protection of the entire product ecosystem, as one breach can escalate to the entire chain, if not prevented or stopped in time. So, building strong partnerships based on collaboration and transparency is pivotal for the maintenance of this environment.

As a leading manufacturer of security surveillance products, Axis works closely with its manufacturing partners, monitoring production processes and sharing data 24/7 to enable real-time analysis and transparency.

Another aspect of collaborating with partners and customers is ensuring they understand and apply security best practices to the use of any product that could be targeted by threat actors. As stated in its latest Sustainability Report, Axis provides training to partners and customers to ensure the correct use of its products to safeguard individuals’ privacy and deliver the highest level of cybersecurity.

Besides collaboration, transparency is an additional pillar of the Axis approach to cybersecurity. As the first Common Vulnerability and Exposures (CVE) Numbering Authority (CNA) in the physical security industry, Axis follows industry best practices in managing and responding to vulnerabilities, taking priority in notifying stakeholders about vulnerabilities so they can take appropriate action.

Securing products and data is a shared responsibility of the entire supply chain, and by fostering a community equipped with strong, transparent partnerships, manufacturers are nurturing a network of proactive cybersecurity champions and a fortified digital ecosystem.

Minimising Risks Through Product Lifecycle Vigilance

Cybersecurity risks exist at every step of a networked device’s lifecycle, from production to decommissioning. If these risks are overlooked, they can lead to operational disruptions, and loss of confidentiality, integrity and availability of data. So, it’s crucial that manufacturers support cybersecurity measures throughout the product lifecycle to mitigate risks.

Some of the supported measures to safeguard product integrity and reduce the risk of vulnerabilities on Axis devices are:

• Axis Edge Vault cybersecurity platform: A hardware-based platform that features capabilities to protect the device’s identity and integrity, and enable the execution of secure operations based on cryptographic keys. Secure storage of sensitive data such as cryptographic keys, and video tampering detection are also supported.
  
  
• Axis Security Development Model: This methodology helps reduce the risk of releasing products with software vulnerabilities by ensuring that security considerations are an integral part of software development. It involves such activities as risk assessments, threat-modelling, analysis of code, and penetration testing.
  
  
• AXIS Operating System (AXIS OS): Incorporating industry best practices in vulnerability management, this platform can quickly and efficiently release software security features and patches for a great number of products.
  
  
• Hardening guides: A hardening guide is available on the Axis website for all Axis devices running AXIS OS. It provides technical advice and guides users in establishing a baseline configuration to address common threats. There is also a hardening guide for the video management software, AXIS Camera Station, as well as for Axis network switches.
  
  
• AXIS Device Manager and AXIS Device Manager Extend: these tools empower customers to easily and efficiently manage their Axis devices for such things as managing device credentials and regularly keeping the device operating system up to date.
  
  

By considering cybersecurity at every stage of the product lifecycle, manufacturers can help customers maintain and bolster the overall security of products.

A Convergence of Vision and Vigilance

The modern cybersecurity landscape transcends technological and governance borders to present both risks and opportunities. While governments continue to seek standardised defences in a dynamic setting, manufacturers are in a unique position to help their partners and customers build resilience to enhance their cybersecurity strategies and minimise the risks of non-compliance and cyber breaches.

In this defining journey, manufacturers can lead by fostering a collaborative culture within the supply chain and considering cybersecurity throughout the entire product lifecycle with solutions such as the ones offered by Axis. Amid a borderless world, vigilance and innovation can guide us towards a promising, smarter digital future.

Learn more about the Axis Communications vision for a secure digital future and its innovative security solutions at: https://www.axis.com/about-axis/cybersecurity.