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Ransomware is exploiting factory VPNs: Manufacturers should rethink OT remote access governance, says Secomea

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4 months ago

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Just-in-time vendor access, auditability, and containment are key controls for reducing ransomware risk in manufacturing, according to Secomea

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, June 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Following a recent increase in publicly reported ransomware and extortion incidents affecting manufacturers and industrial suppliers, Secomea is urging organizations to reassess how third-party remote access is managed across production environments.

In operational technology (OT) environments, third-party remote access is essential for maintenance, troubleshooting, and equipment support. However, as ransomware groups increasingly target manufacturing organizations, security teams are facing growing pressure to balance operational continuity with cybersecurity, compliance, and vendor access control.

“Many organizations focus on keeping attackers out, but far fewer examine how much access is available once someone gets in,” said Knud Kegel, CTPO at Secomea. “In manufacturing environments, remote access is essential for keeping operations running. The challenge is making sure that access is controlled, temporary, and visible.”

Manufacturers rely on machine builders, system integrators, and service providers to support critical equipment remotely. However, always-on access, shared credentials, and limited oversight can create opportunities for attackers to move through environments once an initial compromise occurs.

While the specific circumstances vary from incident to incident, recent attacks highlight a common challenge: balancing operational access with security and oversight.

According to Secomea, organizations should focus on three areas:

Reduce standing access
Vendor access should be granted only when needed and removed when the task is complete. Limiting access windows reduces the opportunity for misuse, credential abuse, and unauthorized activity.

Improve visibility and accountability
Organizations should be able to see who accessed systems, when they connected, and what actions were performed. Detailed audit trails support investigations, compliance requirements, cyber insurance reporting, and incident response.

Prepare for containment
When suspicious activity is detected, security and operations teams need practical ways to isolate affected assets and prevent disruptions from spreading across production environments.

Effective OT access governance combines least-privilege access, just-in-time vendor access, auditability, and rapid containment to reduce cyber risk while maintaining operational continuity.

These measures have become increasingly important as manufacturers face growing regulatory scrutiny, rising cyber insurance requirements, and continued pressure to maintain operational uptime.

Practical steps for ransomware-ready OT remote access

As manufacturers review their cyber resilience strategies, Secomea recommends assessing whether the following controls and processes are in place:

Just-in-time vendor access instead of persistent remote connectionsApproval-based workflows for access to critical systemsLeast-privilege permissions for users and vendorsAudit trails that support investigations, compliance, and forensic analysisThe ability to quickly isolate affected assets during an incident

“The conversation is shifting from simply enabling remote access to governing it,” said Knud Kegel. “Manufacturers do not need less connectivity. They need better governance of that connectivity. Organizations that can limit, monitor, and contain access are often better positioned to reduce operational impact when incidents occur.”

“Ransomware resilience in manufacturing increasingly depends on how organizations govern remote access to OT systems,” added Knud. “Just-in-time vendor access, visibility into remote sessions, and the ability to contain affected assets are becoming foundational cybersecurity controls.”

About Secomea

Secomea is a Secure Remote Access solution purpose-built for industrial networks and OT equipment. More than 8000 manufacturers and machine builders worldwide use Secomea to securely connect people, systems, and machines while maintaining operational continuity and control. By helping organizations govern vendor access, implement zero-trust principles, and improve visibility into OT remote access activities, Secomea supports secure collaboration across the manufacturing ecosystem.

Secomea was recently identified as a Representative Vendor in the CPS Secure Remote Access category in Gartner® Hype Cycle™ for CPS Security, 2026.

GARTNER is a trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates.

Gartner does not endorse any company, vendor, product or service depicted in its publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s business and technology insights organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this publication, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.  

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ransomware-is-exploiting-factory-vpns-manufacturers-should-rethink-ot-remote-access-governance-says-secomea-302814296.html

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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7 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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8 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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8 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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