Global technology company Thales has conducted an operational technology (OT) security assessment for The Royal Mint, the official maker of UK coins. The exercise marks a critical step in the deployment of The Royal Mint’s OT cyber security strategy, which will further bolster the resilience of its operations. The assessment took place over the course of a week at The Royal Mint’s headquarters in Llantrisant, Wales.

The assessment involved Thales deploying specialist OT security consultants to conduct on-site information gathering at The Royal Mint’s facility. During this stage, a probe was deployed to gather data on its operational technology network and its various assets. 

Interviews with key on-site personnel and a technical inspection were also carried out, in order to get a clear understanding of the approach currently being taken to operational technology security. This stage flags both strengths and vulnerabilities with the current approach.

The findings were captured in a report that was provided to The Royal Mint, following the assessment. The report quantified any risks, allowing the recipient to add them to its solutions roadmap.

“Security is a priority area for the The Royal Mint, with cyber security playing an increasingly large role in this. Our technology function constantly seeks opportunities to enhance our cyber security resilience, ensuring the business can continue to deliver a premium experience for our customers. Collaborating with the Thales team allowed us to bolster our operational technology estate, effectively identifying and mitigating potential cyber security risks.”

^{Rich Fowler, Chief Information Security Officer}

The assessment was carried out by Thales’ team based in Ebbw Vale, which is home to both the National Digital Exploitation Centre and the newly opened ResilientWorks facility. The two facilities form an innovation campus that has been co-funded by Thales and Welsh Government to deliver world leading cyber security research, development and expertise from The Valleys.

“Understanding an organisation’s operational technology environment across the people, process and technology domains is the first critical step required to enhance its cyber resiliency. By establishing a comprehensive picture of the existing asset base and the threat landscape it is possible to then identify the cyber risks, establish priorities and put appropriate measures in place. We’re proud to be working with The Royal Mint on further developing their cyber resiliency.”

^{Tony Burton, Managing Director – Cyber & Trust, Thales in the UK}

Thales supports 1,100 jobs in Wales and has conducted cyber-themed outreach activity with 127 local schools so far in South East Wales in order to inspire the next generation of cyber and digital talent. As part of this outreach activity, and in addition to the OT security assessment with The Royal Mint, the two organisations are working together to inspire local students from Y Pant Comprehensive School in the world of cyber this academic year. The Royal Mint, with support from Thales, will run three activities to educate and inspire pupils as part of the ‘cyber valued partner initiative’ established by Careers Wales. Most recently, NDEC employees supported The Royal Mint to deliver a CyberFirst Girls taster session for year 8 girls at the school, encouraging them to take part in the NCSC initiative to increase gender diversity in cyber.