Protecting OT Using Fortinet Security Fabric!

How to Protect an Operational Technology Network With a Next-Generation Firewall and Industrial Cyber security Service.

Network segmentation with a next-generation firewall (NGFW) is a critical first step in securing an operational technology (OT) network. Industrial firewalls for OT networks typically demand a tough exterior while also containing specific, purpose-built controls and cybersecurity for unique industrial (non-IT) networks. Because networks and cybersecurity are not static, cybersecurity controls must be updated and refined to provide real-time protection in an ever-changing industrial and critical infrastructure threat landscape. Below are five key considerations in choosing an industrial (OT) firewall.

Ruggedized firewalls for harsh industrial environments:

Ruggedize firewalls are designed to withstand heat and cold, dust, vibration, and other severe environmental conditions. Fortinet is a leader in traditional and ruggedized NGFWs. Fortinet designs both with advanced security processing units (SPUs) for all firewall types with a common operating system for ease of operation and integration with the Fortinet Security Fabric.

NGFWs for advanced OT security:

Firewalls provide the basic network communication security features of controlling ports, protocols, and source and destination addresses. NGFWs include an intrusion prevention system (IPS) that uses deep packet inspection (DPI) to analyze the communication traffic for malicious malware by matching known malware packets, or signatures, to a constantly evolving library of malicious signatures. NGFWs are central to the Fortinet IT and OT network security

solutions and integrated into the Fortinet Security Fabric to provide a converged security solution. Because the security landscape is constantly growing and evolving, a cybersecurity service must stay continuously updated with the latest global threats.

Intrusion prevention systems built for OT:

Common to industrial networks are purpose-built OT devices, such as human-machine interfaces (HMIs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and many physical sensors and actuators. These industrial networks and devices often communicate with unique communication protocols not seen in IT. Thus, a security feature like IPS must include both IT and OT signatures to provide a converged IT and OT security solution. The Fortinet FortiGuard Labs team maintains an industry-leading library of IPS OT signatures specific to industrial networks. Fortinet provides both IT and OT IPS security as part of our NGFW portfolio.

Advanced application control for OT protects insecure-by-design PLCs:

Most PLCs completely lack standard security mechanisms such as authentication, authorization, and encryption. Industrial application control, or commands between OT devices, is an advanced industrial cybersecurity feature that can block specific commands or parameter changes to devices. Not only does application control provide added cybersecurity, but it also prevents inadvertent operator actions that could lead to production interruptions or a safety

incident. Fortinet is dedicated to OT security by providing both IPS and the unique, specific application control signatures purpose-built for OT networks.

Integrated network and cyber security across OT and IT:

Industrial companies have network and cyber security challenges for both IT and OT. The lack of vendor consolidation places a tremendous burden on industrial companies. Managing separate vendor network solutions incurs additional budget, resources, and operations centers. Fortunately, Fortinet provides IT and OT network and cybersecurity solutions integrated with the Fortinet Security Fabric and FortiGuard Labs employs dedicated IT and OT analysts and threat researchers to provide the latest and refined security signatures to block IT and OT malicious activities.

Conclusion:

IT and OT leadership must mitigate risk for both IT and OT. Funding, resourcing, and managing separate networks are expensive and inefficient, and each threat landscape is different. Fortinet provides IT and OT integrated solutions to mitigate costs and risks across the industrial company’s entire network.

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