The product is in the modern aerospace and defense (R&D) landscape, no longer just a physical machine. It has become a huge, interconnected web of intellectual property (IP), and sensitive engineering data, The data behind the hardware whether it’s a satellite communication system or the next-generation fighter jet, is for state-sponsored cyber espionage and industrial theft a major target.
The challenge for defense contractors and government agencies, is two-fold.
- Accelerating innovation to maintain a tactical superiority.
- Ensuring every byte of data is under stringent regulatory frameworks like ITAR (International Traffic of Arms Regulations), EAR (Export Administration Regulations), and Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
This is where Siemens Teamcenter PLM plays a prime role. Teamcenter as the world-leading PLM Software offers a robust, multi-layered security architecture. This architecture is primarily designed to manage defense engineering’s complexities.
HOW TEAMCENTER HELPS SECURE DEFENSE IP & ENGINEERING DATA?
Here are the steps that tell how Teamcenter helps secure defense IP and engineering data.
STEP 1: CENTRALIZED ‘SINGLE SOURCE OF TRUTH’
It is the first step to secure IP. This involves knowing exactly where it resides. It’s impossible to secure fragmented data stored in local drives, emails, or disconnected databases.
Teamcenter PLM helps to eliminate this problem. By creating a single, centralized repository it eliminates these ‘dark data’ silos. Organizations by using Teamcenter can
- Ensure all CAD models, Bills of Materials (BOMs); simulations, and manufacturing instructions get stored in a controlled setting.
- Ensure they follow security protocols that are applied universally. This eliminates the possibility of piecemeal security protocols across different departments.
STEP 2: ADVANCED ACCESS CONTROL & IDENTITY MANAGEMENT
Siemens Teamcenter PLM employs a sophisticated Authorization & Access Control System. It is not just about who can log in. Rather it is about what they can see and do based on their role. Location, and the specific project needs.
ATTRIBUTE-BASED ACCESS CONTROL (ABAC)
Teamcenter unlike simple folder permissions uses ABAC. This ensures access is granted based on attributes like:
- USER CITIZENSHIP: Critical for ITAR compliance.
- SECURITY CLEARANCE LEVEL” Ensures ‘SECRET’ data is only visible to cleared personnel.
- PROJECT MEMBERSHIP: Restricts engineers to only the specific ecosystems they are assigned to.
This kind of granular-level of control ensures even if the users are part of the organization; they cannot browse sensitive IP irrelevant to their specific tasks.
STEP 3: PROTECTING THE DIGITAL TWIN THROUGHOUT THE LIFECYCLE
The Digital Twin represents the virtual model of a physical asset. Teamcenter on the other hand secures this Digital Twin. It is secured from the earliest conceptual design through to maintenance and sustainment (MRO).
SECURE COLLABORATION
Defense projects often involve collaboration with external partners.Teamcenter PLM
- Allows ‘briefcase’ exchange and secure supplier portals. This means data shared with suppliers can be ‘watermarked’ or restricted with Digital Rights Management (DRM).
- Ensures once a subcontractor completes his/her work, access to the IP can be revoked. Else the data can be rendered unreadable.
MANAGING EXPORT CONTROL (ITAR / EAR)
Siemens Teamcenter PLM has a built-in export control engine.
The PLM Software can
- Flag automatically parts or documents that fall under export restrictions.
- Prevent unauthorized foreign nationals from accessing files. Even if they accidentally gain access to the network by cross-referencing user metadata with document classification.
STEP 4: ENGINEERING DATA INTEGRITY & AUDIT TRAILS
Securing IP is not just about preventing theft. It’s also about ensuring the data has not been tampered with. In defense engineering, even a minor authorized change to a specification can cause catastrophic damage.
Teamcenter offers an immutable audit trail. They ensure every change, view, and download is logged. This ‘Chain of Custody’ is critical for:
- FORSENIC ANALYSIS: Identifies the source of a data leak.
- REGULATORY AUDITS: Provides proof of compliance to government bodies.
- QUALITY ASSURANCE: Ensures that the ‘As-Built’ configuration matches the ‘As-Designed’ specifications.
STEP 5: SECURE PLM IN THE CLOUD & ON-PREMISE
Modern defense organizations are shifting increasingly to cloud for scalability. But security issues often hold them back. Teamcenter offers flexible deployment models.
Like,
- ON-PREMISE: For highly sensitive ‘Air-Gapped’ environments.
- GOVERNMENT CLOUD: Deploys Teamcenter on AWS GovCloud or Azure Government. They are specifically designed to meet FedRAMP and Impact Level 5 (ILS) requirements.
Defense contractors can by ensuring Teamcenter in a secure cloud setting collaborate globally. At the same time, also maintain a perimeter that meets the highest military norms.
STEP 6: INTEGRATION WITH SIMULATIONS & MANUFACTURING
Teamcenter PLM security extends into the simulation (CAE) and manufacturing (CAM) realms. As part of the Siemens Acelerator portfolio it
- Ensures that simulation outcomes are protected just as toughly as the 3D CAD models. The simulation outcomes often contain highly sensitive performance data.
- Manages the flow when data transitions from the design office to the shop floor, to CNC machines and 3D printers. This ensures that the ‘digital thread’ remains unbroken and encrypted.
ROLE OF PLM IN CMMC COMPLIANCE
The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is now an essential for the DoD supply chain. Teamcenter PLM is for achieving CMMC Level 3 and above the foundational tool.
It addresses several key domains:
- ACCESS CONTROL: Limits system access to only authorized users.
- CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT: Establishes and maintains baseline configurations.
- SYSTEM & INFORMATION INTEGRITY: Protects information from unauthorized disclosure.
Organizations can by using a validated PLM Software like Teamcenter reduce to a significant extent during the certification process, the burden of proof.
CONCLUSION
Protecting engineering data in the defense industry is a matter of national security. Siemens Teamcenter PLM goes beyond the usual simple file management. It offers a comprehensive security ecosystem. They help protect Intellectual Property (IP) from the time of its creation. Defense organizations by leveraging the Teamcenter capabilities of CJ Tech, can
- Prevent theft of IP through granular attribute-based access controls.
- Ensure Compliance with ITAR, EAR, and CMMC.
- Maintain Data Integrity across a 50-year product lifecycle.
- Enable Secure Collaboration across a global multi-tier supply chain.
Your defense organization can with CJ Tech’s capabilities secure the protection and safety of engineering data as threats evolve and become more sophisticated and complex.
FAQs
1. Can multi-level security clearances be handled by Siemens Teamcenter PLM?
Yes. Teamcenter supports a hierarchical security model. You can define through Attribute Based Access Control (ABAC) specific security labels. Like for instance, ‘Unclassified’ with a matching or higher clearance level. They allow you to view or modify the metadata and associated engineering files.
2. What steps is taken by the PLM Software to secure the supply chain?
Siemens Teamcenter PLM offers secure supplier collaboration tools. Prime contractors grant suppliers’ access to a secure ‘Briefcase’ or a dedicated supplier portal. This helps to avoid the need to send sensitive files via email.
You can apply Digital Rights Management (DRM) to these files. They encrypt the data. They also allow you to expire access or prevent printing and downloading once the contract is complete.
3. How is internal data tampering protected by Teamcenter?
Every action within Teamcenter is recorded in a ‘tamper-proof’ audit log. This provides for every piece of IP a complete ‘Chain of Custody.’ The PLM Software tracks if a design change is made to know:
- Who made the change;
- What was altered; and
- Who approved it.
This will ensure the integrity of the data. They also make it easy to pass rigorous government audits.
4. Is Teamcenter PLM secure enough for cloud deployment?
Yes. Siemens Teamcenter PLM can be deployed on Government-specific cloud infrastructure. Like for instance, AWS GovCLOUD or Azure Government. These environments are built to meet FedRAMP High and DpD impact Level 5 (IL5) requirements. The defense Contractor will be able to leverage cloud’s scalability with no compromise on the security of their engineering data.
