Leonardo Teams Up with Siemens to Launch Innovative Digital Security Platform for Industrial Networks
The aim of the MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) established by Leonardo and Siemens Digital Industries is a comprehensive offer of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions for IT/OT technologies (Information Technology/Operational Technology), which is designed for digital, secure, connected, and integrated industrial infrastructures.
This agreement emerged from a collaboration between the two firms intended to merge their specialized development capabilities in services and solutions, primarily focused on safeguarding the IT/OT infrastructure (systems equipped with dedicated hardware and software devices) of manufacturing facilities. The core area of focus will be resilience against incidents and cyber threats aimed at automation and connectivity systems that oversee and monitor vital assets, equipment, and processes in critical infrastructures.
As digitalization continues to proliferate, energy and industrial plants are becoming increasingly interconnected and distributed: a transformation that presents opportunities regarding competitiveness and sustainability. However, this shift necessitates heightened awareness of cybersecurity issues. A cyber assault on the “cyber-physical” systems of critical infrastructures could severely impact the availability of essential services for citizens and jeopardize their safety. The partnership between Leonardo and Siemens will enable comprehensive protection: ranging from threat intelligence; identifying cyber threats targeting OT infrastructures; to their defense, supported by monitoring and management services grounded in the expertise of Leonardo’s Global Security Operation Center, integrated with Siemens’ technological product systems aimed at preventing and reacting to incidents regarding individual connected devices (endpoint protection).
“This collaboration allows Leonardo and Siemens to forge new synergies founded on complementary technologies and expertise, with the objective of co-developing solutions that can more adeptly address the escalating cyber challenges in the industrial and energy sectors,” remarked Alessandro Profumo, Leonardo’s Chief Executive Officer. “In this context, Leonardo’s strategic journey outlined in the Be Tomorrow 2030 plan progresses, aiming to establish our company as a cornerstone of a technological ecosystem dedicated to safeguarding citizen safety while enhancing, alongside institutions and partners, the long-term competitiveness of our nation.”
“We are incredibly pleased with this collaboration focused on cybersecurity, a vital element for fostering a secure and trustworthy digital economy. With pioneering technologies that converge the physical and digital realms to ensure security, we safeguard companies’ intellectual property and operational efficiency, helping them to enhance their competitiveness. Together with Leonardo, we merge their undeniable expertise in system integration with our technology, generating a unique synergy and market offering. Our goal, therefore, is to deliver added value for the Italian industry and assist our country in its digital evolution,” commented Giuliano Busetto, Head of Siemens Digital Industries.
The agreement encompasses a cohesive commercial proposal that combines joint solutions along with proprietary offerings from both companies, addressing the requirements of the oil & gas, energy, and industrial sectors. Additionally, the accord lays out provisions for cyber security training, featuring a course catalog tailored to the OT sector, which will leverage the platforms and infrastructures of Leonardo’s Cyber & Security Academy.
The technological offerings developed will also be integrated into Xcelerator, Siemens’ open digital platform, which incorporates a comprehensive range of hardware, software, and digital services enabled for the Internet of Things (IoT).
Leonardo, a global leader in high technology, ranks among the foremost players in Aerospace, Defence, and Security and stands as Italy’s primary industrial entity. Structured into five business divisions, Leonardo boasts substantial industrial operations in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland, and the USA, where it also runs subsidiaries like Leonardo DRS (defense electronics), alongside joint ventures and partnerships: ATR, MBDA, Telespazio, Thales Alenia Space, and Avio. Leonardo competes in crucial international markets by capitalizing on its technological and product leadership (Helicopters, Aircraft, Aerostructures, Electronics, Cyber & Security Solutions, and Space). Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), Leonardo reported consolidated revenues of €14.1 billion in 2021 and allocated €1.8 billion to Research and Development. The corporation has featured in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) since 2010, securing its position as a global leader in sustainability in 2022. Leonardo is also part of the MIB ESG index.
Siemens Digital Industries (DI) is a pioneering force in automation and digitalization. Through close collaboration with partners and clients, DI drives the digital transformation in both process and discrete industries. With its Digital Enterprise suite, DI offers companies of various sizes a comprehensive array of products, solutions, and services to seamlessly integrate and digitalize the entire value chain. Tailored to the distinct requirements of each sector, DI’s exclusive portfolio empowers clients to enhance productivity and adaptability. DI consistently enriches its offerings with innovations that incorporate cutting-edge future technologies. Siemens Digital Industries operates its global headquarters in Nuremberg, Germany, employing approximately 76,000 individuals worldwide.
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a technology enterprise centered on industry, infrastructure, transportation, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories and resilient supply chains to smarter buildings and grids, as well as cleaner transportation and advanced healthcare, the company engineers technology purposefully, delivering real value to customers. By merging real and digital environments, Siemens enables its clients to revolutionize their industries and markets, transforming daily life for billions. Siemens holds a majority stake in the publicly listed Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare. Moreover, Siemens retains a minority stake in Siemens Energy, a preeminent player in the generation and transmission of electrical power.
In the fiscal year 2022, concluding on September 30, 2022, the Siemens Group amassed a revenue of €72.0 billion alongside a net income of €4.4 billion. As of September 30, 2022, the company employed approximately 311,000 personnel globally. Further insights are accessible on the Internet at www.siemens.com. In Italy, Siemens is headquartered in Milan and hosts global competence centers focused on electric mobility, smart grids, industrial software, smart buildings, and the Digital Enterprise Experience Center (DEX). Committed to Education, the company engages in annual training programs aimed at students in High Technical Institutes and STEM undergraduates, boasts collaborations with universities, ITS Angelo Rizzoli, and ITS Lombardia for New Mechanical and Mechatronic Technologies. It is a founding member of the Milan Polytechnic Foundation. For more details, visit www.siemens.it
