Action1 > Case Studies > Agronomy Company Enhances Security and Mitigates Ransomware Risks with Action1

Agronomy Company Enhances Security and Mitigates Ransomware Risks with Action1

Technology Category

Cybersecurity & Privacy - Malware Protection
Platform as a Service (PaaS) - Device Management Platforms

Applicable Industries

Equipment & Machinery
National Security & Defense

Use Cases

Inventory Management
Tamper Detection

About The Customer

The Arthur Companies is a diverse agribusiness operating in North Dakota and Idaho, United States. The company operates various businesses, including grain elevators, a birdseed company, and a wholesale fertilizer company. The company has around 20 locations across three states, with its workstations spread among these locations. The three-person IT team is responsible for keeping all company devices up to date with the latest security patches and managing them effectively. The company faced significant security challenges due to ineffective patch management, which increased the risk of ransomware attacks and other security incidents.

The Challenge

The Arthur Companies, a diverse agribusiness operating in North Dakota and Idaho, faced significant security challenges due to the ineffective patch management of its devices spread across 20 locations. The company's three-person IT team struggled to keep all devices updated with the latest security patches using ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus, which proved ineffective for off-network devices and those not joined to the company domain. Consequently, 20% of the company's devices were not properly patched, significantly increasing security risks. The urgency to find a solution escalated when the FBI released a security alert warning of a likely increase in ransomware attacks on the agricultural sector, with unpatched vulnerabilities being a primary attack vector. A security event could cost the company hundreds of thousands of dollars and disrupt the global supply chain, affecting food producers worldwide.

The Solution

The company's IT Director, Joe Holder, evaluated several Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools and chose Action1. Unlike other tools, Action1 offered the necessary features and an easy-to-use interface. As a cloud-native tool, Action1 overcame infrastructure constraints, enabling the management of off-site devices and machines not joined to the company domain. It also allowed for the management of firmware updates, a capability the previous tool lacked. With Action1, the IT team established a robust patch management program covering all devices, significantly reducing the risk of ransomware infections and other security incidents. Action1 also enabled the development of policies for patching devices in the least disruptive way possible, considering key parameters like patch release date and working hours. Furthermore, Action1 streamlined device provisioning and software deployment, playing a vital role in the company's initial build process. It also allowed for proactive management of device configurations.

Operational Impact

The implementation of Action1 resulted in improved security and streamlined operations. The IT team was able to establish a robust patch management program that covered all devices, dramatically reducing the risk of ransomware infections and other security incidents. The tool also enabled the development of granular policies that allowed for patching devices in the least disruptive way possible. This balance between security and convenience was crucial in maintaining productivity while enhancing security. Furthermore, Action1 played a vital role in the company's initial build process, ensuring efficient installation of the correct applications. The tool's scripting capabilities allowed for the automation of custom app deployment across machines, further protecting endpoints against cyber threats. Additionally, the team could proactively manage device configurations, giving them complete control over their endpoints.

Quantitative Benefit

Reduced the number of unpatched devices from 20% to near zero, significantly reducing the risk of ransomware infections and other security incidents.
Established a robust patch management program that covers all devices, including those not handled by the previous tool.
Streamlined device provisioning and software deployment, improving efficiency in the company's initial build process.