Dispel Launches Zero Trust Engine for Industrial OEMs to Secure Remote Service Access
The new platform replaces fragmented remote access tools with a unified solution designed for machine builders and industrial manufacturers.
Key points
- Dispel announced a zero-trust engine specifically engineered for original equipment manufacturers delivering remote industrial services.
- ABB is already using the technology under its ABB Care program to support global service operations.
- Verizon data indicates third-party involvement in manufacturer breaches rose significantly, highlighting the need for better access controls.
Dispel announced the launch of its Zero Trust Engine for OEMs, a security solution built exclusively for original equipment manufacturers and machine builders. This platform enables these organizations to provide remote service to industrial customer equipment while maintaining strict security standards. The announcement positions the tool as a replacement for disparate, less secure remote access methods.
The solution is already deployed at scale with several major industrial partners. ABB is using the technology through its ABB Care service program. Charles Bennett, Global Head of Service for ABB, stated that the partnership allows for faster response times and real-time support. He emphasized that the technology provides a secure foundation for delivering digital solutions reliably to customers worldwide.
Industrial security context
Third-party remote access has emerged as a significant risk vector for the manufacturing sector. According to Verizon’s 2026 Data Breach Investigations Report, 61 percent of breaches at manufacturers involved a third party. This figure is higher than the 48 percent cross-industry average. The report also noted that third-party involvement in these incidents jumped 60 percent year-over-year, indicating a growing threat landscape for industrial operations.
Many manufacturers currently rely on standing VPNs or jump hosts for remote connections. These tools create always-on exposure that can be exploited by attackers. Additionally, different customer-imposed tools often appear at various accounts, creating a fragmented security posture. Shared credentials in these environments make it difficult to trace exactly who connected to which system.
Operational challenges for OEMs
Manual approval processes for remote access often slow down service response times. In industrial settings, downtime costs money every minute, so delays are particularly problematic. Inconsistent logging further complicates matters, leaving most original equipment manufacturers unable to reconstruct events after a security incident occurs. These operational frictions hinder the ability to scale service effectively.
Gartner’s Market Guide for CPS Secure Remote Access notes a shift from simple connectivity to secure operations. Organizations are now prioritizing cyber-physical systems that allow for safe remote access. Security reviews are increasingly stalling contracts that previously relied on trust alone. This trend forces OEMs to adopt more rigorous access controls to close deals.
Ben Burke, president and COO of Dispel, said the new engine replaces the patchwork of tools that most manufacturers accumulate. He stated that scaling service and delivering faster service-level agreements should not require multiple disparate solutions. The platform aims to provide a consistent experience across single sites or entire fleets of equipment.
What should you do?
What to do and how to stay safe: Dispel
- Review current remote access methods to identify standing VPNs or jump hosts that create always-on exposure.
- Audit logging capabilities to ensure all remote sessions are recorded for post-incident reconstruction.
- Evaluate third-party access policies to determine if shared credentials are being used.
- Monitor vendor announcements for zero-trust solutions tailored to industrial equipment maintenance.
Step-by-step guide: Mobile Device Security: How to Protect Data Beyond Passwords
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
What problem does Dispel's new engine solve for manufacturers?
It replaces fragmented remote access tools with a unified zero-trust platform that secures remote service operations.
How prevalent are third-party breaches in manufacturing according to Verizon?
Verizon reports that 61 percent of manufacturer breaches involved a third party, up from a 48 percent industry average.
Which company is already using Dispel's solution?
ABB is using the technology under its ABB Care program to support global industrial service delivery.
