Supporting a biotech company’s long-term growth by enhancing its cyber security

"Analysys Mason’s hands-on involvement and dedication were crucial to our success. They ensured the processes we implemented were futureproof, thinking ahead to make sure our security measures would remain effective as we grow.” 

-- CISO, Biotech, Germany 

The challenge

Expanding cyber-security frameworks to support long-term growth

A leading biotech firm recognised the need to expand its cyber-security framework to support its ongoing growth and evolving organisational needs.

Juggling operations across Europe, North America and Asia, as well as a portfolio of recent acquisitions, the organisation was grappling with complex regulatory landscapes and a fragmented security posture. It recognised the need to ensure its cyber-security protocols were able to support its ongoing growth and evolving organisational needs.  

It partnered with Analysys Mason to develop a cyber-security framework that integrated secure-by-design (SBD) principles into its governance structure, addressing emerging cyber-security risks and ensuring sustainable, long-term success.

Our approach 

Building resilience with technical solutions and operational procedures

Over a 30-month engagement, Analysys Mason partnered with this leading biotech firm to establish strategic governance and build organisational structures and policies to underpin a resilient cyber-security framework. Moving beyond technical solutions, our experts supported the development of dedicated security and introduced a SBD process to embed security considerations into every project from the outset.

Aligned with ISO 27001 standards, Analysys Mason developed policies and operational procedures to lay the foundation for sustainable cyber-security governance. Working directly within the client’s teams, we leveraged our deep expertise in compliance checks, risk assessments and reporting and data management to develop custom reporting frameworks. This enhanced the visibility of cyber-security policies, making them actionable for leadership and operational teams. 

Our frameworks enabled project managers and executives to track security risks effectively and make informed, timely decisions, while our hands-on approach allowed us to provide on-the-ground guidance. By fostering cross-departmental collaboration and bridging gaps between security, IT and OT teams, we ensured our strategies were both relevant and impactful for long-term success.

The impact 

A proactive cyber-security culture equipped for the future

Our standardised integrated secure-by-design process reduced efforts in security assessment and compliance management by approximately 50%. Identifiable vulnerabilities were also reduced by over 90%, significantly decreasing subsequent efforts in vulnerability management. At the same time, we expanded the process to include business impact analyses and ensured the prerequisites for risk management were met.

Beyond technical frameworks, we drove cultural change within the organisation, helping the organisation’s transition from a start-up mindset to a more structured, security-conscious approach. Embedding security into the company’s day-to-day operations enabled us to support over 270 projects and changes, enhancing awareness across all levels. This fostered a culture that permeated processes, roles, and responsibilities, and minimised resistance to security measures.

By implementing standardised reporting with aligned KPIs, it became much easier to identify and effectively communicate challenges, risks, successes and goals, and harness cyber-security data to unlock actionable insights. This informed decision-making and strategy while creating transparency across the organisation.

Through our partnership and the cultural transformation achieved, the leadership team was empowered to communicate security risks effectively to the board, embedding security as a fundamental component of strategic decision-making, business growth and resilience.

This pragmatic and collaborative approach helped the firm make SBD a reality, building a robust, scalable cyber-security wireframe that will support its continued growth and protect its operations.