Securing critical infrastructure: a root-of-trust approach

For global entities managing critical infrastructure, the security of digital identities is no longer a peripheral concern—it is a fundamental requirement for operational safety. Schneider Electric, a leader in digital transformation and energy management, operates in environments where traditional cybersecurity often falls short: the factory floor and the isolated control room.

The "Air-Gap" Authentication Challenge In critical infrastructure, many Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems operate in air-gapped or highly regulated environments. In these zones, mobile phone-based Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is often impossible due to a lack of cellular connectivity or strict "no-device" policies.

To bridge this gap, Schneider Electric moved toward hardware-backed, phishing-resistant credentials. By implementing physical security keys, they established a "touch-and-go" authentication workflow that functions entirely offline. This move was not just for convenience; it was a strategic requirement to meet the IEC SL2 security standards, providing a clear path toward the even more rigorous SL3 requirements in the future.

Hardening the global supply chain

Beyond the operator login, the integrity of the supply chain itself remains a top-tier risk. To mitigate the threat of counterfeit components and ensure device authenticity, Schneider Electric integrated Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) directly into their manufacturing processes.

By utilizing these compact HSMs, the company can securely manage encryption keys at the "edge" of production. This creates a secure vault for digital identities during the manufacturing stage, ensuring that the root of trust is established the moment a product is created. This dual-layered approach—securing both the human operator and the manufactured device—creates a comprehensive defense-in-depth strategy.

Looking ahead

As the threat landscape for industrial control systems (ICS) evolves, the shift toward hardware-backed security represents an industry-wide trend toward "Secure by Design" principles. For infrastructure providers, the goal is simple: ensure that even if the network is compromised, the identity remains Phishing-resistant.

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Meet the team

Jill Broom

Head of Cyber Resilience, techUK

Jill leads the techUK Cyber Resilience programme, having originally joined techUK in October 2020 as a Programme Manager for the Cyber and Central Government programmes. She is responsible for managing techUK's work across the cyber security ecosystem, bringing industry together with key stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Jill also provides the industry secretariat for the Cyber Growth Partnership, the industry and government conduit for supporting the growth of the sector. A key focus of her work is to strengthen the public–private partnership across cyber to support further development of UK cyber security and resilience policy.

Before joining techUK, Jill worked as a Senior Caseworker for an MP, advocating for local communities, businesses and individuals, so she is particularly committed to techUK’s vision of harnessing the power of technology to improve people’s lives. Jill is also an experienced editorial professional and has delivered copyediting and writing services for public-body and SME clients as well as publishers.

Email:: [email protected]
Website:: www.techuk.org/
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-broom-19aa824

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Annie Collings

Senior Programme Manager, Cyber Resilience, techUK

Annie is the Programme Manager for Cyber Resilience at techUK. She first joined as the Programme Manager for Cyber Security and Central Government in September 2023.

In her role, Annie supports the Cyber Security SME Forum, engaging regularly with key government and industry stakeholders to advance the growth and development of SMEs in the cyber sector. Annie also coordinates events, engages with policy makers and represents techUK at a number of cyber security events.

Before joining techUK, Annie was an Account Manager at a specialist healthcare agency, where she provided public affairs support to a wide range of medical technology clients. She also gained experience as an intern in both an MP’s constituency office and with the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed. Annie holds a degree in International Relations from Nottingham Trent University.

Email:: [email protected]
Twitter:: anniecollings24
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-collings-270150158/

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Olivia Staples

Junior Programme Manager - Cyber Resilience, techUK

Olivia Staples joined techUK in May 2025 as a Junior Programme Manager in the Cyber Resilience team.

She supports the programs mission to promote cyber resilience by engaging key commercial and government stakeholders to shape the cyber resilience policy towards increased security and industry growth. Olivia assists in member engagement, event facilitation and communications support.

Before joining techUK, Olivia gained experience in research, advocacy, and strategic communications across several international organisations. At the Munich Security Conference, she supported stakeholder engagement and contributed to strategic communications. She also worked closely with local and national government stakeholders in Spain and Italy, where she was involved in policy monitoring and advocacy for both public and private sector clients.

Olivia holds an MSc in Political Science (Comparative Politics and Conflict Studies) from the London School of Economics (LSE) and a BA in Spanish and Latin American Studies from University College London (UCL).

Outside of tech, Olivia enjoys volunteering with local charities and learning Norwegian.

Email:: [email protected]

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Securing critical infrastructure: a root-of-trust approach

Arno Selvini

Hardening the global supply chain

Looking ahead

techUK Supply Chain Security Campaign Week 2026

Securing the chain: innovation, accountability and resilience in supply chain security webinar