Case Study: SMC Corporation achieves mature cybersecurity and 24/7 threat detection with Critical Start

A Manufacturer’s Path to Secure Cybersecurity

SMC, the world’s largest manufacturer of pneumatic components, faced escalating cyber threats and the complexity of protecting global automation and IoT environments. To mature its security posture and reduce alert fatigue, SMC engaged Trace3 and MDR vendor Critical Start, adopting Critical Start’s Zero Trust Analytics Platform (ZTAP), Trusted Behavior Registry and 24/7 managed detection and response services alongside Palo Alto Cortex XDR.

Critical Start delivered continuous 24/7 investigation and response, using ZTAP and its Trusted Behavior Registry with Palo Alto Cortex XDR’s lightweight agent and ML/AI-driven analysis to eliminate false positives at scale, continuously monitor attacker techniques, and accelerate remediation. The result for SMC was markedly reduced alert fatigue, improved threat visibility and response, and greater confidence in protecting its IP and automation infrastructure.

SMC

Michael Loggins

Global VP of IT