A tailored course, built for your situation
Building a Scalable Security Program for Regulated Manufacturing and Distribution
A step-by-step implementation guide for security leaders in food distribution and manufacturing environments with strict compliance requirements
$199 one-time
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12 modules. 12 chapters per module. 144 chapters total.
12 modules, each with 12 chapters (144 chapters total), text-based, plus downloadable templates and a hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Pre-audit rework of control documentation consuming 80+ hours
The situation this course is for
Security leaders in regulated manufacturing face recurring last-minute revisions to control evidence packages due to shifting auditor interpretations, lack of version-controlled mappings, and inconsistent implementation across facilities. This results in avoidable team strain and delayed sign-offs.
Who this is for
VP-level security and IT leaders in food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and regulated logistics who own auditor-facing security outcomes and need to demonstrate consistent control implementation across distributed operations
Who this is not for
Entry-level security analysts, consultants selling to multiple industries without domain context, or roles focused solely on IT operations without compliance ownership
What you walk away with
- Produce auditor-ready control evidence in under 6 hours per cycle
- Standardize CIS Controls implementation across multiple facilities
- Defend control choices with reference to FDA, FSMA, and NIST-aligned rationale
- Reduce cross-team chasing during audit prep by 70%
- Maintain version-controlled mappings that survive team turnover
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Why CIS Controls Fit Regulated Manufacturing Better Than Generic Frameworks
Establish the operational advantages of CIS Controls in environments with physical-digital convergence and strict food safety mandates.
12 chapters in this module
- Mapping CIS Controls to FDA FSMA requirements for supply chain controls
- How CIS Control 1 supports inventory system integrity in distribution centers
- Why asset inventory accuracy reduces recall response time
- Aligning CIS Control 4 with endpoint security in fleet and warehouse devices
- Using CIS Control 5 to manage secure configurations on production line systems
- Integrating CIS Controls with HACCP plan verification cycles
- Comparing CIS Controls to NIST CSF in food logistics environments
- The role of CIS Control 8 in removable media policy for plant networks
- How patch management (CIS Control 9) prevents production line interruptions
- CIS Control 10 and audit logging on temperature monitoring systems
- Why CIS Controls scale better than custom checklists in multi-facility rollouts
- Documenting the business case for CIS adoption to operations leadership
Module 2. Building the Foundational Inventory: Assets, Data, and Systems
Create a defensible, living inventory of hardware, software, and data flows across manufacturing and distribution environments.
12 chapters in this module
- Scanning methods for OT devices without disrupting line operations
- Classifying data flows between ERP, WMS, and SCADA systems
- Documenting legacy system dependencies in cold storage environments
- Using automated tools to maintain accurate hardware inventories
- Mapping software installations across driver and warehouse management systems
- Tracking SaaS usage in procurement and logistics teams
- Defining ownership for each asset class in a matrix organization
- Integrating CMDB updates with facility onboarding checklists
- Handling disconnected systems in remote distribution centers
- Versioning inventory data for audit reproducibility
- Linking asset records to control applicability decisions
- Validating inventory completeness with stakeholder walkthroughs
Module 3. Securing Configuration Baselines Across Diverse Environments
Develop and enforce secure configuration standards that work in both office and plant settings.
12 chapters in this module
- Creating separate baselines for Windows 10 in offices vs. Windows Embedded in forklifts
- Using CIS Benchmarks for SQL Server in inventory databases
- Hardening Linux systems on refrigeration control panels
- Managing exceptions for systems that can't meet full benchmarks
- Documenting justification for deviations with technical and business context
- Automating configuration drift detection in packaging line systems
- Integrating Group Policy with endpoint management tools
- Securing BIOS settings on warehouse kiosks
- Configuring secure boot on tablets used for delivery verification
- Managing firmware updates on IoT temperature sensors
- Enforcing screen lock policies across shift workers
- Testing configurations in staging environments before plant rollout
Module 4. Continuous Vulnerability Management in Production-Critical Systems
Implement scanning and patching processes that protect systems without disrupting operations.
12 chapters in this module
- Scheduling scans during non-production hours in 24/7 facilities
- Prioritizing vulnerabilities based on exploit likelihood and impact to food safety
- Using CVSS scores in context with operational criticality
- Coordinating patching windows with production planning teams
- Testing patches in simulated line environments
- Managing third-party patch dependencies for proprietary equipment
- Documenting risk acceptance decisions for unpatched legacy systems
- Integrating vulnerability data with change management workflows
- Tracking remediation SLAs across regional facilities
- Reporting vulnerability trends to executive leadership
- Using automated tools to verify patch deployment success
- Conducting post-patch verification of system functionality
Module 5. Controlling Administrative Privileges in a Multi-Vendor Environment
Enforce least privilege access across internal teams and third-party vendors.
12 chapters in this module
- Mapping administrative accounts to specific job functions in distribution centers
- Implementing Just-In-Time access for vendor engineers
- Using PAM solutions for shared accounts on warehouse management systems
- Documenting approval workflows for privilege escalation
- Auditing privileged session activity on inventory databases
- Managing local admin rights on technician laptops
- Integrating with IAM systems for automated deprovisioning
- Handling emergency access procedures without weakening controls
- Training managers on privilege request justification
- Monitoring for privilege creep after role changes
- Conducting regular access reviews with facility supervisors
- Reporting on privileged account usage to compliance teams
Module 6. Maintaining Audit Logs for Regulator-Ready Evidence
Collect, protect, and analyze logs that demonstrate control effectiveness.
12 chapters in this module
- Identifying required log sources in manufacturing and distribution systems
- Setting retention periods to meet FSMA and SOX requirements
- Protecting logs from tampering in decentralized environments
- Centralizing logs from OT and IT systems
- Creating standardized log review procedures for security analysts
- Detecting anomalous access patterns in inventory systems
- Generating regulator-ready log reports with timestamps and context
- Using SIEM rules to detect control violations
- Validating log completeness during internal audits
- Documenting log chain-of-custody for evidence purposes
- Training facility managers on log retention responsibilities
- Testing log recovery procedures after system failures
Module 7. Email and Web Browser Protections at Scale
Deploy consistent protections for the most common attack vectors across distributed teams.
12 chapters in this module
- Configuring DNS filtering for all distribution center internet connections
- Enforcing secure browser settings on shared warehouse devices
- Deploying anti-phishing controls for procurement staff
- Blocking malicious attachments in food safety documentation emails
- Training drivers and warehouse staff on suspicious email reporting
- Integrating email security with SOAR platforms
- Monitoring for business email compromise in accounts payable
- Implementing URL filtering for third-party logistics partners
- Managing exceptions for legitimate high-risk sites
- Auditing browser extensions on corporate devices
- Reporting phishing attempt trends to executive leadership
- Conducting simulated phishing campaigns with facility teams
Module 8. Malware Defense Across OT and IT Systems
Implement layered anti-malware controls that protect both corporate and operational environments.
12 chapters in this module
- Selecting anti-malware solutions compatible with production line OS versions
- Configuring real-time scanning without impacting system performance
- Managing signature updates in air-gapped environments
- Detecting ransomware behavior patterns in inventory databases
- Implementing application whitelisting on critical control systems
- Responding to malware alerts without stopping production
- Isolating infected devices in warehouse networks
- Integrating EDR with security operations workflows
- Conducting malware post-mortems with technical teams
- Documenting malware prevention controls for auditors
- Training staff on removable media policies
- Testing malware response plans during scheduled downtime
Module 9. Network Defense and Segmentation in Distributed Operations
Design and maintain network architectures that limit attack propagation.
12 chapters in this module
- Segmenting corporate networks from production line control systems
- Implementing firewall rules between distribution center zones
- Using VLANs to separate guest, operational, and management traffic
- Monitoring for unauthorized network connections in cold storage
- Enforcing secure remote access for third-party vendors
- Documenting network architecture for auditor review
- Conducting regular network vulnerability assessments
- Integrating network monitoring with SIEM systems
- Managing wireless network security in warehouse environments
- Responding to network-based attack indicators
- Reporting on network security posture to executive leadership
- Updating network diagrams after facility modifications
Module 10. Data Protection and Encryption in Transit and at Rest
Ensure sensitive data is protected across the manufacturing and distribution lifecycle.
12 chapters in this module
- Identifying PII in HR and payroll systems for plant employees
- Encrypting customer data in delivery management systems
- Protecting配方 data in manufacturing execution systems
- Implementing TLS for all web applications
- Using disk encryption on laptops used by traveling staff
- Managing encryption keys for distributed systems
- Documenting data retention and destruction procedures
- Auditing access to encrypted data repositories
- Integrating DLP with email and cloud storage
- Reporting data protection metrics to compliance teams
- Training staff on data handling responsibilities
- Validating encryption effectiveness during internal audits
Module 11. Incident Response Planning for Manufacturing Environments
Develop and maintain response plans that account for operational continuity.
12 chapters in this module
- Defining incident severity levels with operations leadership
- Establishing communication protocols during production disruptions
- Documenting roles and responsibilities for incident response
- Integrating IR plans with business continuity procedures
- Conducting tabletop exercises with facility managers
- Managing evidence collection without compromising food safety
- Coordinating with third-party forensics firms
- Reporting incidents to regulators per FSMA requirements
- Maintaining IR plan updates after system changes
- Training security analysts on manufacturing-specific scenarios
- Testing IR plan effectiveness during scheduled downtime
- Documenting post-incident improvements to controls
Module 12. Sustaining and Scaling the CIS Controls Program
Operationalize the security program for long-term success across multiple facilities.
12 chapters in this module
- Establishing metrics for control effectiveness and compliance
- Conducting regular program reviews with executive leadership
- Managing continuous improvement through feedback loops
- Scaling the program to new facilities and acquisitions
- Training new security staff on the implementation playbook
- Integrating with enterprise risk management processes
- Budgeting for ongoing program maintenance
- Reporting program status to audit committees
- Maintaining version control for all documentation
- Adapting to updates in CIS Controls versions
- Sharing best practices across regional teams
- Demonstrating ROI of the security program to business leaders
How this maps to your situation
- Pre-audit control documentation
- Multi-facility security consistency
- Regulator evidence pack assembly
- Security program sustainability
Before vs. after
Before
Security control documentation requires 80+ hours of rework before each audit, with inconsistent implementation across facilities and frequent last-minute changes due to auditor feedback.
After
Audit evidence is produced in under 6 hours with standardized, version-controlled documentation that withstands regulator scrutiny and scales across new facilities.
What's included with your purchase
- 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters)
- Downloadable templates and worked examples for every module
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Delivery and format
- Course and learning environment access provisioned within 24 hours of purchase
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
Format: Text-based modules and chapters in the Art of Service learning environment, plus downloadable templates and worked examples for every chapter, plus the hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Time investment: 90 minutes per week for 12 weeks, or binge-accessible for faster completion
If nothing changes
Without a standardized, defensible implementation approach, security programs in regulated manufacturing face repeated audit findings, increased operational friction during compliance cycles, and inability to demonstrate consistent control effectiveness across facilities.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic CIS Controls overviews or vendor-specific security courses, this program provides implementation-grade detail tailored to the unique challenges of food manufacturing and distribution, including OT/IT convergence, multi-facility scaling, and regulator evidence requirements.
Frequently asked
Is this course focused on IT or OT environments?
It covers both, with specific implementation guidance for the converged environments common in food manufacturing and distribution.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Does the course address FDA FSMA requirements?
Yes, it includes specific mappings between CIS Controls and FSMA compliance obligations in supply chain and monitoring systems.
$199 one-time. 90 minutes per week for 12 weeks, or binge-accessible for faster completion.
Within 24 hours your account in the learning environment is provisioned and the tailored implementation playbook is delivered alongside it.
30-day money-back guarantee·
144 chapters·
Hand-built playbook included·
Account access within 24 hours