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Top Operational Technology Security Solutions

Operational Technology Security became much more important today. Since OT assets were not online in the past, they were not at risk from web-based dangers like malware, ransomware assaults, and hackers. Then, as programs for digital transformation and IT-OT convergence grew, many companies introduced point solutions to their infrastructure to deal with particular problems like patching. As a result of this strategy, networks became complicated, and systems were unable to fully share information with the people in charge of controlling them.

The devices, controllers, and networks known as industrial control systems (ICS) are essential for sustaining business operations and income streams. Common industrial systems, such as distributed control systems (DCS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and different specialized applications, are compromised with serious repercussions for a company, making them prime targets for cyberattacks.

In this article you'll find information on 3 topics related to Operational Technology Security:

  • What is Operational Technology Security?

  • How to select OT Security systems?

  • Overview of top companies in the operational technology security market

What is Operational Technology Security?​

According to Gartner, operational technology (OT) is defined as hardware and software that directly monitors, controls, and/or manages physical objects, activities, and events within an organization. Industrial Control Systems (ICS), such as SCADA systems, frequently use OT. Power plants or public transportation are managed using OT in the field of critical infrastructure. The demand for OT security is increasing quickly as this technology develops and converges with networked technologies.

Industrial systems had no external connectivity for a long time, relied on proprietary protocols and software, and were manually operated and monitored by people. Because there was no networked access to attack and nothing to gain or lose, they were an unimportant target for hackers. The only method to access these systems was physically, and getting access to a terminal wasn't simple. OT and IT did not address the same types of problems and had limited integration.

Now, the situation is considerably different as more industrial systems are being made operational in order to supply big data and smart analytics as well as to embrace new capabilities and efficiency through technology integrations. Organizations can now observe industrial systems from a single perspective thanks to IT-OT convergence, which provides process management tools that guarantee correct information is given to people, machines, switches, sensors, and other devices in the optimal format and at the appropriate time. Together, OT and IT systems create new efficiencies, enable system monitoring and management from a distance, and provide enterprises with the same security advantages enjoyed by administrative IT systems.

There are several additional security vulnerabilities brought on by the switch from closed to open systems that must be addressed.

How to select OT Security systems?​

When selecting an OT security solution, you should ask the following questions

  • Does the vendor have a working knowledge of OT and IT risk management?

  • Are there security and threat specialists from the IT, OT, and cloud areas working for the vendor?

  • Is the vendor prepared to hire specialists as needed to deal with certain problems like ICS?

  • Does the vendor employ tried-and-true technologies that are compatible with cloud, OT, and IT environments?

  • Has the vendor developed the necessary technology to address threats from all directions?

  • In order to address changing risks and problems in the new converged environment, is the vendor willing to adjust and adapt the technologies?

  • Has the vendor a track record of working on and creating new technologies to handle the rapidly changing technology landscape?

  • Is the vendor ready to support you while you through your digital transformation?

  • Will the vendor still be in business in five to ten years?

Top OT Security Solutions​

So let's look at some of the top OT security providers and see how their products contribute to the security of industrial and IoT systems:

  • Forcepoint
  • Darktrace/OT
  • Nozomi Networks Guardian
  • FortiClient
  • BeyondTrust Privileged Access Management Platform
  • Attivo BOTsink
  • Check Point Advanced Endpoint Threat Detection (Legacy)
  • FireMon Asset Manager
  • Waterfall Security Solutions Unidirectional Security Gateway
  • tenable.ot (formerly Indegy Platform)
  • Claroty
  • SCADAfence
  • Dragos
  • Honeywell

Forcepoint​

User, data, and edge protection are all part of the security services provided by Forcepoint, which includes OT Security. Forcepoint provides specialized security for IoT and critical infrastructure situations as part of this solution.

Companies easily implement OT security thanks to the critical infrastructure service, regardless of whether the environment is already networked or in the process of being networked. The solution works to define network limits, determine how cloud and remote access controls operate for your essential systems, and map out network boundaries.

You may link vintage electronics and industrial machinery to your private network using Forcepoint's Data Guard to facilitate data exchange and the generation of previously impractical insights. To guarantee that data is safe and unaltered while in transit, Data Guard utilizes byte-level content inspection and data validation.

For security monitoring and administration, data gathered from lower-level network devices are combined into a unified environment. This data are readily retrieved into the system for auditing and alerting reasons if your company currently employs a SIEM platform. You can observe all of your physical and digital assets via a single pane of glass thanks to Forcepoint's ability to combine OT and IT security.

The technology's technique calls for adding layers of protection and dividing the IT network from operational controls without affecting productivity or interfering with operators' ability to do their duties.

There is no information on pricing for Infrastructure OT Security services offered by Forcepoint on their website. Through the website, you may request pricing or set up a demo.

Darktrace/OT​

A cloud-based OT security technology called Darktrace employs self-learning AI to protect whole networks, including IoT devices. The Darktrace Industrial Immune System monitors the baselines of hundreds of networks in the industrial realm to determine what "normal" looks like in terms of industrial security.

It makes use of this data to follow and spot odd behavior as it develops. Every time an assault is discovered and halted, the system gathers knowledge about what to look for the following time, recalls how it functioned and develops a defense strategy.

The system employs the same learning strategy with each and every user, controller, and device. The Darktrace technology over time recognizes a pattern of life and alerts to deviations. The system detects internal risks, human mistakes, and mechanical issues in addition to cyber attacks.

The whole platform of Darktrace is protocol agnostic, which means that it is used to monitor almost any protocol or technology since it employs AI to identify and comprehend patterns. The platform interfaces with outdated PCLs or devices without current sensor capabilities, and it completely assists any organization wishing to improve its security posture.

Darktrace provides security services for email, cloud-based apps, and normal IT network security monitoring in addition to OT security.

A free 30-day trial of Darktrace is available for you to try out.

Nozomi Networks Guardian​

A commercial network performance monitor is Nozomi Networks Guardian Sensors. It has the ability to recognize IoT devices as well as industrial devices including industrial control systems (ICSs) and operation technology (OT) systems. IoT devices, such as security cameras, are placed everywhere on the property, in contrast to ICSs and OT, which are often found on the shop floor in the form of networked machine controllers and programmable systems. Certain IoT devices that require monitoring may even be located elsewhere.

The Nozomi system scours an industrial network and detects all of the intelligent devices that are linked to it. The technology is also capable of scanning wireless networks and locating IoT devices. A device inventory is created using the data obtained throughout the process of querying each encountered device for its properties.

Based on the network inventory and connection information that each device relays, the monitor is able to create a topology map of the network. Both the inventory and the topology map are continuously updated by subsequent performance status checks.

Monitoring traffic throughput and protocol activity are examples of performance metrics. The Nozomi service then creates an alert when the system detects unexpected or aberrant activity. The system technicians are alerted to the issue by this notification, and then start troubleshooting investigations.

The Nozomi system scans for vulnerabilities while polling all devices for status data. Problems that are detected during both status and vulnerability scans are color-coded by severity in the Nozomi console and prioritized for remediation.

The Guardian Sensors system from Nozomi Network is a cloud-based SaaS solution. To evaluate the Nozomi system for yourself, you can request a demo.

FortiClient​

Generally speaking, FortiClient is more of an Advanced Endpoint Security manager than a pure VPN provider. Network Access Control (NAC), Data Loss Prevention, Insider Threat Protection, Data Classification, URL Filtering, Browser Isolation, and Secure Email Gateways are services that FortiClient offers to your endpoints.

It should be highlighted that FortiClient enables end-user devices to make use of Fortinet's Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), an all-encompassing endpoint security solution. As the endpoint is the ultimate destination for malware that seeks credentials, network access, and sensitive information, it is crucial to ensure that your endpoint security combines effective prevention with detection and mitigation.

BeyondTrust Privileged Access Management Platform​

Globally, BeyondTrust is the pioneer in Privileged Access Management (PAM). It provides the easiest and most practical method of avoiding data breaches related to compromised remote access, stolen passwords, and abused rights.

When breaches develop across endpoint, server, cloud, DevOps, and network device settings, it is one of the finest servers that enable businesses to expand privilege security simply. BeyondTrust integrates the broad variety of privileged access skills available on the market. It incorporates analytics, reporting, and centralized administration. It enables headmen to make important and wiser choices to repel attacks. The versatile architecture of the BeyondTrust integrated platform is well-known and renowned. It boosts IT and security spending promotes user productivity, and streamlines integrations.

Enterprises may have visibility and control thanks to BeyondTrust. They are able to lower risk, achieve compliance objectives, and enhance operational performance.

Attivo BOTsink​

Networks, public and private data centers, and specialized settings like Industrial Control System (ICS) SCADA, Internet of Things (IoT), and Point of Sale (POS) environments are all covered by the comprehensive deception platform offered by Attivo Networks.

Based on the idea that even the most effective security measures cannot stop every attack, Attivo offers the visibility and actionable, verified alarms needed to identify, isolate, and fight against cyber attacks. In contrast to preventative systems, Attivo makes the assumption that the attacker is already within the network and employs endpoint, server, and application deception lures dispersed throughout the network to trick threat actors into disclosing themselves.

The BOTsink deception server is made to precisely and effectively detect the reconnaissance and lateral movement of advanced threats, stolen credentials, ransomware, man-in-the-middle, and phishing assaults without relying on signatures or attack pattern matching.

The Attivo Multi-Correlation Detection Engine (MCDE) records and examines attacker IP addresses, attack techniques, and actions. The outcomes are then shown on the Attivo Threat Intelligence Dashboard, exported for forensic reporting in the formats of IOC, PCAP, STIX, and CSV, or are utilized to automatically update SIEM and preventive systems for blocking, isolating, and threat hunting. The ThreatOps service simplifies incident response through information interchange, automation of incident response, and the creation of repeatable playbooks.

Check Point Advanced Endpoint Threat Detection (Legacy)​

The endpoint security solution from California-based Check Point Software combines data and network protection with threat prevention technologies, including remote access VPN for Windows and Mac applications. The Harmony Endpoint from Check Point, formerly known as SandBlast Agent, is a solution intended to thwart possible security attacks from the outset, which can assist in stopping serious damage from happening before it does. Moreover, Check Point provides managed security services and anti-bot technology to inhibit command and control methods.

FireMon Asset Manager​

A real-time network visibility tool called FireMon Asset Manager keeps an eye out for abnormalities, possible threats, and compliance breaches in hybrid cloud settings. Every device and link on the network, including firewalls, routers, endpoints, and cloud devices, are continually scanned for and discovered. Asset Manager establishes a baseline of network patterns using cutting-edge behavioral detection algorithms and notifies security personnel of any questionable activity or compliance violations.

Waterfall Security Solutions Unidirectional Security Gateway​

Waterfall Unidirectional Security Gateways provide for secure IT/OT integration, methodical management, and continuous industrial network monitoring. In industrial network settings, gateways take the place of firewalls, offering complete defense against threats coming from outside networks to OT networks and control systems. By duplicating servers, simulating industrial equipment, and converting industrial data to cloud forms, unidirectional security gateways provide industrial cloud services, vendor monitoring, and visibility into operations for contemporary businesses and their clients. Hence, Unidirectional Security Gateways technology serves as a plug-and-play alternative to firewalls in industrial contexts, free from the risks and maintenance hassles that typically come with firewall deployments.

tenable.ot (formerly Indegy Platform)​

An industrial security solution for contemporary industrial enterprises is Tenable.ot. Tenable.ot enables IT and OT teams to collaborate more effectively while enabling your firm to identify assets, communicate risk, and prioritize action.

For your IT and OT security workers and engineers, Tenable.ot offers complete security tools and reports. It enables comprehensive situational awareness across all worldwide sites and their associated assets, from Windows servers to PLC backplanes, in a single interface and offers unrivaled insight across IT/OT operations.

Claroty​

The Claroty Platform was created especially for IOT settings. Up to firmware and I/O levels, it provides clear awareness of cyber dangers concealed in your industrial assets. The integrated product suite from Claroty is intended to be vendor-neutral, in contrast to ICS equipment vendors. It finds and safeguards the whole ICS environment.

The Claroty Platform provides OT network segmentation, virtual zones, CVE matching, secure remote access, and security posture evaluation in addition to passive and active threat detection and monitoring.

SCADAfence​

By safeguarding both OT and IoT assets, SCADAfence focuses on providing cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. In addition to offering visibility into security events and infrastructure insights, SCADAfence is able to completely cover industrial networks through continuous software-based monitoring, behavioral analytics, and threat detection.

It might be difficult to integrate OT security into a network that already has firewalls and other security measures in place. By adding internal visibility, monitoring, and alerting to these security mechanisms, SCADAfence recognizes this issue. In order to provide a non-intrusive deployment so that there is no impact on productivity or downtime on any of the target devices, SCADAfence leverages port mirroring in networked switches during installation.

With comprehensive packet inspection and filtering, the SCADAfence platform covers even the largest and most complex network infrastructure. After packet inspection is in place, SCADAfence identifies the network's assets and starts looking for unusual activity, non-compliant regions, and potential threats.

A virtual inventory of the complete IoT ecosystem is created by mapping out all network assets. In order to better detect anomalies during this period and provide a performance benchmark against the network's present condition, an adaptive baseline is generated.

A demo of SCADAfence is available upon request.

Dragos​

A strong OT/ICS cybersecurity platform called Dragos is made to offer platform and threat intelligence training in addition to expert OT security services. The Dragos platform, created by ICS practitioners, starts with best practices right out of the gate and works continually to safeguard and keep an eye on your IoT ecosystem.

Dragos goes above and beyond other platforms by offering detailed guidance on how to deal with a threat or security issue, as opposed to other systems that only provide notifications to OT security occurrences. They are known as Key Takeaways, and they are created to provide your security team with concrete tasks to carry out in order to address any vulnerabilities.

Indications of Compromise (IoC), which are forensic breadcrumbs that may be followed to identify malicious activity, are also marked. IoCs are crucial for both identifying threats and compiling evidence against an attacker.

IoCs and thorough reporting provide you with a close-up view of adversary activity and the methods used on your network. This information is used to rectify weaknesses and find new prospective paths of attack.

Dragos offers strong OT security by utilizing both its extensive network of strategic alliances and its worldwide information sharing. Under its Neighborhood Watch program, Dragos offers OT security as a managed service for businesses wishing to manage their OT Security off-site. This enables the Dragos team to update and patch endpoints, monitor security risks, and undertake network threat hunting.

Honeywell​

The IoT chain's endpoints are all secured by the Honeywell Forge Cybersecurity platform, which combines the data it collects to make corporate operations safer and more effective. For practically every organization's size or degree of cybersecurity maturity, Honeywell has solutions.

Honeywell leverages NIST SP 800-82 and other top international standards with scalability in mind to make sure your business is in compliance and utilizing best practices against OT security risks.

Honeywell Forge creates events that are linked with a risk assessment to provide you with a quick overview of your network. You may dive down from this number to pinpoint your risk variables and evaluate whether specified security policies might be broken. This technique enables IT security teams to swiftly identify and rank assets according to their potential level of vulnerability.

Role-based and device-specific credentials help standardize and audit remote access to your industrial network. This extends to the protection of OT-focused files or data with integrated threat detection that examines and keeps track of files in transit.

Real-time alerts and historical data collecting are both made possible by proactive monitoring and may be included in SIEM products. Depending on the nature of the occurrence, several notifications can be set up. For instance, whereas maintenance events, such as a low oil level, can be routed to a member of the maintenance team, security events can be sent to the security team.

Prices and more information may be supplied by the Honeywell sales team.