Mining Operator Strengthens Data Integrity Through Comprehensive Technical Security and Penetration Testing Program
The Challenge
IronPeak Minerals Inc., a diversified Canadian mining operator managing both surface and subsurface operations across Ontario and British Columbia, faced rising cyber threats targeting its operational technology (OT) and industrial control systems (ICS). The company’s integration of IoT-enabled drilling, logistics automation, and environmental monitoring systems significantly expanded its digital attack surface.
A third-party contractor inadvertently introduced malware into a networked sensor platform, causing temporary loss of telemetry data and minor production delays. Forensic analysis revealed outdated endpoint configurations, inconsistent patching schedules, and lack of penetration testing for newly connected field systems.
Furthermore, due diligence reviews by an international joint-venture partner raised red flags about IronPeak’s technical security testing frequency and documentation practices—potentially jeopardizing its participation in a new copper-extraction initiative. The executive team recognized that achieving and demonstrating cyber resilience required a robust, independently validated technical security testing framework aligned with PIPEDA, ISO/IEC 27001, and CCCS Baseline Controls.
Our Solution
Our Technical Security and Testing team implemented a multi-layered assessment and validation program tailored for mining and industrial environments, integrating IT, OT, and cloud systems into a single testing lifecycle. Key engagement components included:
- Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT): Conducted comprehensive network, web, and endpoint penetration tests on both corporate and field systems, simulating real-world adversary tactics.
- Operational Technology (OT) Security Review: Evaluated industrial control and SCADA networks for segmentation integrity, legacy protocol vulnerabilities, and insecure remote access channels.
- IoT Device Validation: Tested environmental and production sensors for authentication weaknesses and firmware vulnerabilities.
- Patch and Configuration Audit: Benchmarked system configurations against CIS, NIST 800-82, and CCCS Baseline standards, identifying high-risk deviations.
- Remediation and Validation Cycle: Worked with IT and engineering teams to implement prioritized fixes and re-test remediated systems.
- Technical Assurance Reporting: Produced an executive-level report with heat-mapped vulnerabilities, compliance scoring, and recommendations for ISO/IEC 27001 alignment.
The Value
Within six months, IronPeak Minerals realized substantial security and business improvements: By embedding continuous technical testing into its governance model, IronPeak elevated cybersecurity from a reactive control to a proactive enabler of safe, sustainable mining operations.
- 85% reduction in critical and high-risk vulnerabilities within production networks.
- Zero recurrence of malware infiltration incidents following re-segmentation and MFA deployment.
- 30% faster partner onboarding through validated technical security documentation.
- Successful audit alignment with ISO/IEC 27001 Annex A controls and CCCS Baseline Controls.
- Enhanced insurer confidence, reducing cyber insurance premiums by 10%.
- Strengthened trust among investors and joint-venture partners through transparent, third-party-validated security posture.
Implementation Roadmap
1. Assessment and Scoping (Weeks 1–2): Identify IT, OT, and IoT assets; define testing parameters and risk priorities.
2. Testing Phase I (Weeks 3–6): Perform vulnerability assessments and penetration testing across all network layers.
3. Remediation Support (Weeks 7–9): Collaborate with internal teams to address critical and high-risk findings.
4. Validation and Certification (Weeks 10–12): Conduct re-testing and deliver assurance reporting aligned with ISO and CCCS standards.
5. Continuous Monitoring (Ongoing): Integrate periodic scans, SOC alerts, and annual red-team exercises into maintenance cycles.
