Published: 7 November 2025
Cybersecurity threats to mining operations are escalating. Ransomware attacks targeting critical infrastructure, operational disruption, and data theft pose significant risks to safety, production, and financial performance. For mine operators and CISOs, the question is no longer if they need a cybersecurity strategy—it’s how to build one that’s robust, scalable, and comprehensive.
At the same time, digital transformation is enabling significant efficiency gains through connected fleets and real-time data. The challenge is advancing these digital initiatives while managing the expanded attack surface. The answer lies in moving beyond a single point of defense to a multi-layered security architecture.
This approach distributes protection across the entire technology stack, with each layer reinforcing the others. In its partnership with Motium, Wenco has developed a shared philosophy centered on this principle, ensuring that security is embedded from the device level all the way to the cloud.
The Modern Threat Landscape: Why Mining is a Target
Mining operations are classified as critical infrastructure—making them prime targets for cyberattacks aimed at extortion (ransomware), intellectual property theft, or operational disruption. The consequences range from corrupted data and downtime to serious safety incidents. A secure operation is no longer just an IT concern; it is a foundational element of safety and operational integrity.
The Defense-in-Depth Framework: Device, Network, and Cloud
Effective mining cybersecurity requires partners who excel in their respective domains and integrate their solutions seamlessly. Wenco and Motium bring complementary expertise—specialized hardware and enterprise software—to deliver comprehensive protection.
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Layer 1: Securing the Device (The Hardware Foundation)
Motium's rugged in-cab hardware forms the first line of defense—and its resilience is non-negotiable in harsh mining environments. Their devices feature:
- Hardware Hardening: Devices feature locked-down port access (controlled USB, Ethernet) and tamper-resistant enclosures to prevent unauthorized physical access and modification.
- Secure Boot & TPM (Trusted Platform Module): The boot process verifies the digital signature of the OS and software, preventing unauthorized code from running. A TPM 2.0 securely stores encryption keys, providing a hardware-based root of trust. These technologies significantly reduce risk when combined with secure firmware signing, proven update pipelines, and lifecycle key management.
- BIOS-Level Security: Custom BIOS settings can be locked down to prevent unauthorized changes, adding another layer of protection against low-level attacks.
- Industrial-Grade Reliability: Motium's devices are built to withstand extreme mining conditions (MIL-STD-810G for vibration and temperature, IP65 & IP67 for dust/water ingress), ensuring consistent uptime. Reliable hardware is essential for maintaining the security posture of the overall system.
Layer 2: Protecting Data in Transit (The Networked Layer)
Data moving between the device and the central system must be safeguarded. Wenco’s software is designed to operate within secure network architectures.
- Encrypted Communications: Wenco systems employ strong encryption protocols like TLS 1.2+ for all data transmitted between the client and servers, ensuring that sensitive operational data cannot be intercepted or read.
- Certificate-Based Authentication: Devices and servers authenticate each other using digital certificates, preventing unauthorized systems from joining the network.
- Secure Network Architecture: Wenco systems are designed to operate in segmented OT networks, behind firewalls and VPNs, and to integrate with site segmentation practices, ensuring compatibility with industry best practices.
Layer 3: Governing Access and Data (The System & Policy Layer)
This layer concerns the central management of identities, data, and policy, where Wenco’s commitment to systematic security management comes to the fore.
- Identity and Access Management (IAM): Wenco’s FMS provides robust, role-based access controls (RBAC), ensuring that operators, mechanics, and managers only have the permissions necessary for their jobs. This principle of least privilege limits the potential damage from compromised credentials.
- ISO 27001 Certification: Wenco maintains an Information Security Management System (ISMS) certified against ISO/IEC 27001. Wenco has systematically assessed risks, implemented stringent security controls, and maintains a process of continuous improvement across all operations—from software development and cloud services to internal company data. This certification provides independent assurance that security is managed to a globally accepted standard.
- Security Assurance of the Ecosystem: As part of our ISO 27001 compliance, we rigorously assess our entire technology ecosystem. This includes ensuring that partner hardware platforms, like Motium’s, provide the necessary security features (secure boot, tamper resistance) to be considered a trusted component within a secure Wenco FMS deployment.
These three layers work together to create a comprehensive security posture. The strength of this approach depends on seamless integration between hardware and software partners. For example, if malware enters the system via a compromised USB device, Secure Boot and TPM prevent it from persisting at the firmware level, while certificate-based authentication prevents unauthorized devices from accessing the network, and role-based access controls limit potential damage to operational data.
A Partnership Built on Synergy
The strength of a layered defense is the strongest when each layer reinforces the others.
- Trusted device: Motium’s secure boot + TPM establishes a hardware-rooted trust anchor.
- Trusted transport: Wenco client communications run over TLS-encrypted, certificate-authenticated channels.
- Trusted access: Central IAM and ISO 27001–guided processes govern who can do what, and how changes are controlled.
One weak link can break the chain—we work together to keep the chain strong from the endpoint in the cab to the enterprise system.
Conclusion: Proactive Protection is a Strategic Investment
Cybersecurity in mining is not a product to be installed, but an ongoing commitment built on trusted technology and partners. The collaboration between Wenco and Motium is rooted in this shared commitment to security and reliability. By implementing defense-in-depth across device, network, and governance layers—with clear responsibilities, transparent controls, and systematic management—mining companies can confidently advance their digital initiatives while protecting their operations.
Published: 7 November 2025
Last Updated: 7 November 2025