Securing the future: Körber's vision for cyber security in the age of AI

In today’s industrial landscape, digital innovation is a given. Cyber security is not. As manufacturers adopt AI and connect machines, their risk exposure grows rapidly.

AI-driven threats are an important part of today’s rapidly evolving cyber landscape. At Körber, Andreas Gaetje and his team take a holistic approach to cyber security, addressing not only AI but the full spectrum of risks facing modern organizations. As he explains, “We integrate strategy, services, people, and infrastructure to protect our operations and those of our customers. Our leadership in cyber security is founded on a vision: to create resilient and secure ecosystems that are built to protect.”

As industrial systems connect to cloud platforms, the attack surface expands, threatening not only information security but also operational continuity, Gaetje explains, “A rapidly expanding attack surface increases vulnerability by providing attackers with more entry points to exploit, making it harder to secure systems and protect against evolving threats.”

AI adds another layer of complexity. While its predictive capabilities are powerful, it also introduces new vulnerabilities. Unlike traditional software, AI algorithms are dynamic and harder to secure. Factories and production floors, once isolated by the traditional ‘air gap,’ are now intertwined in a digital ecosystem, where attackers can target any vulnerability. Gaetje is clear on this fast-growing threat, "The need to update industrial applications is becoming increasingly important—a challenge for both operators and manufacturers like Körber. This requires a completely new approach to how both parties interact in the future to enable over-the-air patching of industrial systems."

Leading Körber’s cyber security strategy, Gaetje emphasizes that, “In this dynamic landscape, AI presents both a significant challenge and an opportunity for cyber security. Our future-focused measures are designed not just to protect, but to innovate in a constantly shifting environment.”

Our evolution from machine builder to provider of integrated services, marks a new chapter in our growth. Customers now look to Körber not just for industrial machines, but as a trusted operator of end-to-end infrastructure management.

“As manufacturers, our role in maintaining industrial systems and applications on behalf of the operator is becoming the model for the future,” Gaetje says, explaining that this shift requires secure and stable connections to enable innovative AI solutions, even in operational environments. He notes that, as a result, the manufacturer’s role is evolving from machine builder to operational service provider, with security as the key enabler.

In today’s interconnected world, vulnerabilities can ripple across networks, threatening resilient supply chains and entire industries. Collaboration allows companies to combine expertise and technology to address threats no single entity can handle. 

Gaetje emphasizes the importance of strong partnerships, “Körber’s ability to tackle complex cyber security challenges is built on our curated network of trusted partners. It’s not just about integrating technology—we are building and leading a collaborative, future-proof ecosystem."

Körber’s partners include:

• NVISO – strategic MDR (Managed Detection and Response) and incident response partner
• Microsoft, Zscaler, SentinelOne – core detection, zero trust and endpoint protection platforms
• NCC Group – product-level security validation and compliance support

The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) marks a major shift in how industries approach cyber security, emphasizing accountability, transparency, and resilience. For businesses, it’s not just a compliance challenge—it’s a chance to build trust in an interconnected world.

Gaetje calls the CRA “a wake-up call for industries to embed security into every layer of operations—not just to meet regulations, but to create a culture of resilience that protects businesses and customers.”

Körber is preparing customers for these changes, with our Product Security Incident Response Team (PSIRT) at the core—dedicated to identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities across our products. Gaetje notes, “PSIRT ensures our customers are equipped to navigate today’s threat environment.”

By integrating robust security, collaborating with partners, and leveraging technologies like AI-driven anomaly detection, Körber is meeting CRA demands and setting a new industry standard. As Gaetje says, “True resilience is about more than technology—it’s about partnerships, foresight, and continuous improvement.

By addressing AI-driven solutions early on, Andreas Gaetje and his team at Körber are redefining cyber security leadership and equipping customers for evolving threats.

Gaetje reflects: “We recognized early on that AI would redefine cyber security. Integrating AI into our strategies and solutions has built a foundation that protects and adapts to new threats.”

With expertise, strong partnerships, and a commitment to innovation, Körber is ready for the new era. As Gaetje says, “Cyber security is a journey, not a destination. At Körber, we’re prepared to lead the way—to a future where resilience, collaboration, and technology define success.”