CNH Industrial Strengthens Global Cybersecurity by Inaugurating New India-Based Cyber Defense Lab

In an effort to enhance its global cybersecurity capabilities, CNH Industrial, a prominent player in the agricultural and construction equipment industry, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art cyber defense lab at its Gurugram technology center in India. This initiative underscores the company's commitment to safeguarding its multi-continent operations from cyber threats.

The cyber defense lab, situated at the CNH Industrial India Technology Center, is staffed by a team of 10 engineers, including certified ethical hackers and forensic investigators. These experts work in tandem with their counterparts in the United States to ensure round-the-clock protection of the company's critical systems and data.

The Importance of India in Cybersecurity

Marc Kermisch, Chief Digital & Information Officer at CNH Industrial, highlighted India's pivotal role in the company's global cybersecurity framework. The Indian team leads security operations for 12 hours each day, throughout the week, and seamlessly transitions the responsibility to the US team during non-working hours.

Tools and Capabilities

CNH Industrial's cyber defense vertical has developed an array of tools that enable real-time monitoring of over 40,000 assets connected to the company's network. This proactive approach empowers the team to counter cyber threats, combat malware, and educate CNH Industrial staff about best practices in cybersecurity.

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Success Stories

Kermisch shared a recent example of the India cyber defense lab's effectiveness. The team efficiently managed a cybersecurity incident involving a key vendor in Australia. By actively assisting the vendor in enhancing its cybersecurity practices, the India team played a crucial role in resolving the issue, ensuring a seamless remediation process.

Future Expansion

Looking ahead, CNH Industrial plans to double the workforce at the India-based cyber defense lab within the next 12 months, underlining the growth opportunities presented by the center.

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The Bigger Picture

CNH Industrial's India Technology Center, established in Gurugram in March 2022, houses various verticals, including IT, digital, vehicle electronics, hardware development, and engineering in fields such as electrical, mechanical, powertrain, and hydraulics. Currently, the center employs around 700 engineers, with a substantial portion boasting relevant experience in the automotive and heavy machinery industries.

The company is further expanding its Gurugram technology center by acquiring 70,000 square feet of office space. This expansion, to be completed in two phases, will add 400-500 more engineers to the workforce over the next two years. The company anticipates continued growth, even in the face of global attrition trends.

India's Role in Global Product Development

The India Technology Center plays a crucial role in CNH Industrial's global product development initiatives. With 200 product development engineers, the center contributes to projects like large combines for the US market, sugarcane harvesters for Latin America, and specialty vineyard tractors for the European market.

Furthermore, the IT and digital divisions at the center work on applications for dealers and employees, onboard electronics, and software and embedded software engineering, enabling every farmer who uses CNH Industrial's applications worldwide.

Beyond Gurugram, CNH Industrial has extended its Indian technology operations, with 70 engineers stationed in Bengaluru and Pune. The company's dispersed talent strategy aims to tap into the availability of the right expertise, anticipating sustained growth in the coming years.

CNH Industrial's presence in India extends to its domestic market through its Case IH, New Holland Agriculture, and CASE Construction Equipment brands, supported by "Made in India" manufacturing operations that have been in operation for over 25 years.

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