When considering a digital twin solution, data security is a top priority. Digital twins have the potential to transform the way manufacturers operate, offering better insights into processes, machine performance, and predictive maintenance. However, with this wealth of data comes the responsibility to protect it. Ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the information being processed is essential for maintaining trust and compliance, especially when the data is transferred between different systems or stored in cloud environments.

At Tomorrow Things, we recognize the importance of security in the digital twin ecosystem. Cloud Connect is designed with capabilities that ensure your data remains secure throughout its journey—from machine-to-cloud communication, utilizing protocols like MQTT, to remote support through encrypted VPN access. Here’s how Cloud Connect tackles the most pressing data security challenges manufacturers face.

1. Data Sovereignty and Ownership

Ensuring that your data stays within your control is one of the cornerstones of Cloud Connect’s design. Using the Hilscher Compact Edge Gateway and the industry-standard MQTT protocol, Cloud Connect securely streams data from machines directly into your Managed Cloud tenant. This secure protocol ensures efficient, lightweight communication that safeguards the integrity of your data.

By leveraging MQTT for seamless data transfer, your business retains full ownership of all collected data, preparing it for future monetization and advanced analytics without any third-party dependency.

Fact: More than 42% of executives across industries recognize the operational benefits of digital twins, with 59% planning to integrate them into their workflows by 2028. This reflects growing confidence in the technology as a cornerstone of modern manufacturing processes. (Source: Businesswire).

2. Manufacturer-Independent Data Security

Cloud Connect ensures secure data handling regardless of the machine vendor. Whether your equipment comes from Asia, Europe, or elsewhere, all process data is securely stored in certified German data centers, compliant with stringent data protection regulations.

Real-World Application: Combined with the Hilscher Compact Edge Gateway, Cloud Connect provides robust hardware-level protection and ensures data security right from the machine to the cloud.

3. End-to-End Compliance with Global Security Standards

Cloud Connect meets leading cybersecurity certifications, including ISO 27001, IEC 62443, and NIS-2, which guarantee adherence to global cybersecurity standards. These standards ensure robust encryption and stringent access controls, safeguarding data against unauthorized use.

We also work in line with the Cyber-Resilience Act, which ensures that our solution is resilient against cyber threats and operates securely within regulated environments.

Our secure on-demand encrypted LTE connection for remote maintenance ensures your corporate network remains unaffected and your sensitive operational data is fully protected.

4. Safe and Secure Remote Maintenance Support

In addition to providing secure data streams and regulatory compliance, Cloud Connect offers robust remote maintenance capabilities, ensuring that machine support is both efficient and secure. Through a secure VPN connection, technicians can access machines for troubleshooting and maintenance, without compromising your internal network or exposing sensitive information.

This on-demand access management system allows for encrypted communications and ensures that only authorized personnel can access the machines remotely. With this approach, you can address issues quickly and effectively while minimizing the risk of cybersecurity threats.

Why Data Security Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought

The value of a digital twin lies in its ability to provide actionable, real-time data to help draw insights into machine performance, maintenance needs, and process optimization. However, these insights are only valuable if the data behind them remains secure. In an era of heightened awareness around cybersecurity, data protection is no longer optional; it’s essential.

To ensure you’re making the right decision when choosing a digital twin solution, it’s essential to prioritize data security at every stage. By choosing Cloud Connect, you're partnering with a solution that is designed to keep your data secure, give you full control over its storage, and provide peace of mind as you digitize your manufacturing operations.

Try out Cloud Connect for Yourself

If you’re ready to see the power of Cloud Connect in action, consider our exclusive Try & Buy package. For just 75 euros, you can test Cloud Connect for 3 months and experience firsthand how secure, efficient, and effective our solution can be for your business.

Sign up now to get started and take your operations to the next level with Cloud Connect!