Cybersecurity and Risk Management

In today’s aerospace manufacturing environment, cybersecurity is becoming more critical than ever. It goes well beyond being just an IT concern. It plays a key role in the aerospace contract manufacturing (CM) business.  As a CM to the aerospace/space/defense markets, our goods and services serve as a vital link to our customer and ultimately to the larger global supply chain. Access to sensitive customer data, proprietary designs, and intellectual property makes safeguarding of all information critical. At Intrex we have long recognized and understood the importance of cybersecurity and have protocols and systems that link our cybersecurity and risk management. We have been proactive in integrating these increased security levels.

Protection of intellectual property (IP)

The back-and-forth exchange of information with our customers is ongoing, and essential. Design updates and improvements, scheduling deliveries, providing manufacturability information is frequent and necessary. Most of this information is handled digitally, therefore protecting these types of information exchanges are critical. Most of the information (designs, specifications, tolerance, operational process, delivery, etc.) are shared via digital networks. This level of connectivity and communication can greatly increase efficiencies and productivity but if not properly controlled can pose real problems. Being aware of this we have put protocols and systems in-place that gives us, as a contract manufacturer total control of this information, guarding against security breaches.

Intrex has been very active in making our entire company aware of the seriousness of cyber threats. It is included in our risk management initiatives.  We have also invested significantly in systems resources, that address and proactively implement cybersecurity issues and have ongoing training of our employees. Included in our cyber efforts are digital firewalls and regular system audits that anticipate and identify cyber threats and employ preventive measures.

Regulatory Compliance.

Many of the products we manufacture have application for defense. As a sub-contract defense manufacturer, we must meet stringent cybersecurity requirements to meet regulatory compliance. For many years we have incorporated DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) as part of our manufacturing process of DoD components. Meeting this compliance means we are adhering to a set of cybersecurity regulations and requirements set forth by the Department of Defense (DoD) for contractors and suppliers working on defense-related projects. These regulations are designed to safeguard sensitive defense information and ensure the security of systems processing, storing, or transmitting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).

Many of the DFARS mandates are referenced in NIST SP 800-171 guidelines. NIST SP 800-171 is a set of security guidelines developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in non-federal information systems and organizations. It focuses on safeguarding sensitive government information handled by contractors and other non-federal entities. NIST 800-171 or CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) is now in place for OEM’s and Tier 2 suppliers and will soon be mandatory for all defense-related manufacturing contractors.

Opportunities for Growth via Cybersecurity

Clients are increasingly demanding proof of cybersecurity maturity as a condition for partnership. Demonstrating strong cybersecurity measures, such as secure data handling, employee training, access controls, and regular vulnerability assessments, can be a competitive differentiator. It signals to customers that the CM is not only technologically capable but also trustworthy.

At Intrex we believe that as an aerospace contract manufacturer, cybersecurity is a mission-critical issue. We have and continue grow our cybersecurity system that safeguards intellectual property, ensures operational continuity, enables regulatory compliance, and builds client trust. It is an era where data and connectivity drive manufacturing success.  For us, understanding and prioritizing cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s essential. We are positioned for the future.

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