Inpeco, a global leader in laboratory automation with over 2,700 systems installed worldwide, partnered with NEVERHACK six years ago to address escalating cyber threats in the healthcare sector.
In healthcare, accuracy and trust are everything. Every blood test, lab result, and piece of patient data carries life-changing significance. Since 1995, Inpeco has been a pioneer in laboratory automation, launching the world’s first Total Lab Automation (TLA) system and transforming clinical diagnostics through reduced errors and full traceability from sample collection to result validation. Today, with more than 2,700 systems installed worldwide, the Swiss-headquartered company continues to innovate to improve healthcare through technology.
However, as healthcare has become increasingly digitalized, cyber risks have grown significantly. The sector is now one of the most targeted by cybercriminals due to the high value of sensitive patient data and the critical impact that disruptions in diagnostics can have on patient care.
Threats have become more sophisticated. Attackers use bots and AI to automate vulnerability scans, zero-day vulnerabilities are emerging more frequently, and cybercriminals can easily access automated exploit platforms. At the same time, healthcare infrastructures are becoming more complex, creating a highly exposed environment.
For Inpeco, cybersecurity is not a back-office function but a board-level priority. Senior leadership in Switzerland oversees governance and strategy, ensuring that security aligns with the company’s long-term vision. Still, the growing threat landscape required a more structured, proactive, and integrated approach.
Six years ago, Inpeco recognized it needed more than standalone tools — it needed a strategic partner. The initial search focused on Microsoft security solutions and the establishment of a 24/7 operational team. What began as a requirement for a NOC quickly evolved into a broader collaboration, expanding to include SOC services and a strong emphasis on integration with internal teams.
That partner was NEVERHACK.
What set NEVERHACK apart was not only technical expertise but adaptability. Rather than imposing predefined processes, NEVERHACK integrated seamlessly into Inpeco’s way of working, demonstrating flexibility and a genuine collaborative spirit.
A defining moment in the partnership came during the rollout of a new SIEM management system. Facing tight deadlines and complex integrations across multiple platforms, the project required deep technical expertise and careful coordination. NEVERHACK acted as an extension of Inpeco’s internal team, identifying potential risks early, anticipating challenges, and ensuring a smooth and timely deployment.
Beyond individual projects, NEVERHACK provides continuous technical support — from vulnerability management to threat monitoring — alongside strategic guidance. This dual role ensures that daily operations remain aligned with Inpeco’s long-term security goals while fostering strong synergy between teams.
The partnership has delivered measurable and lasting impact. Processes have been streamlined, response times significantly reduced, and the company’s overall security posture strengthened.
Tasks that previously required days are now completed in hours. Threat detection capabilities have become more precise, incident response faster and more coordinated, and internal teams more confident and empowered. Inpeco has not only reinforced its technical defenses but also cultivated a stronger security culture across the organization.
Looking ahead, Inpeco sees Zero Trust Lab Automation (ZTLA) as the next frontier, particularly in securing multi-cloud environments, IoT ecosystems, and mobile access. Implementing Zero Trust across fragmented systems remains a complex challenge, requiring strong governance, strategic oversight, and close collaboration with trusted partners.
Cybersecurity leadership itself has evolved. It is no longer limited to managing firewalls or responding to incidents but now plays a strategic role in shaping business direction, supporting digital transformation, and addressing global risks such as supply chain vulnerabilities and regulatory changes.
In this evolving landscape, external partners like NEVERHACK are considered critical allies — especially in strengthening collaboration between red teams and blue teams and enhancing both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Most importantly, Inpeco’s perspective on cybersecurity has matured. While strong firewalls, antivirus tools, and encryption were once considered sufficient, experience has shown that technology alone is not enough. Cybersecurity depends equally on people, processes, and culture. With the right professionals and structured processes in place, Inpeco is building defenses that not only protect data — but ultimately help protect lives.
“Most companies try to impose their own processes and then bend the client to fit. With NEVERHACK, it was the opposite. They integrated seamlessly into our way of working, showing flexibility and a genuine collaborative spirit. That’s rare.”
Alexandro Attanasio
Chief Information Officer
