The rise in cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure has made the safeguarding of industrial networks a top priority. Industrial control system (ICS) networks present unique challenges due to their mix of legacy systems, specialized communication protocols, and the critical nature of the operations they support. As these environments increasingly face sophisticated attacks, the need for advanced cybersecurity measures, such as next-gen industrial firewalls, has become clear. But how effective are next-generation firewalls in enhancing the protection of OT networks?
Challenge 1: Network topology and operations disruption
Disruption to existing operations is a major challenge when deploying security measures in OT environments. Traditional firewalls often require significant changes to network topology, which can lead to costly downtime. Next-gen industrial firewalls, however, are designed for seamless integration. They can be added to existing networks without the need for reconfiguring IP subnets, ensuring that critical operations continue uninterrupted while enhancing security.
Challenge 2: Balancing security with network performance
In OT environments, where uptime is critical, there is often concern that additional security layers might introduce latency or degrade network performance. Next-gen firewalls address this by optimizing boot times and incorporating features like LAN Bypass, which ensure that even if the firewall experiences a failure, the network remains operational. This approach allows industrial operators to enhance security without sacrificing performance.
Challenge 3: Legacy Device Protection
Standards such as IEC 62443 and frameworks like NIS2 require critical assets to protect against DoS attacks and maintain event logs during incidents. However, many critical assets in industrial applications are legacy devices that usually use older versions of operating systems and cannot be replaced right away to meet these network security requirements.
To safeguard legacy devices from growing threats, a firewall solution is required that doesn’t require frequent system updates. Moreover, a significant number of legacy devices at field sites use diverse industrial communication protocols for different application needs. For improved communication security, a firewall solution needs to support these protocols and conduct detailed data analysis in industrial control networks.
Moxa's next-gen industrial LAN firewalls incorporate advanced Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS) and Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) capabilities, providing virtual patches and detailed traffic analysis that shield legacy devices from current threats. This allows operators to comply with cybersecurity standards like IEC 62443 without the need for immediate and extensive system upgrades.
Challenge 4: Simplifying Network Management
Managing the security of an OT network is a complex, ongoing task. Effective monitoring and management are crucial for responding to threats in real-time. Next-gen industrial firewalls simplify this process by integrating with advanced management software, offering centralized control, real-time alerts, and streamlined policy implementation. This reduces the burden on network administrators, enabling faster responses to potential security incidents and minimizing the risk of human error.
Conclusion: Enhanced Safeguarding with Next-Gen Firewalls?
So, do next-gen industrial firewalls enhance the safeguarding of OT networks? The answer is a resounding yes. By providing seamless integration, maintaining network performance, protecting legacy systems, and simplifying management, these advanced firewalls offer a robust defense against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats. For industrial operators, investing in next-gen firewalls is a crucial step toward ensuring the security, reliability, and compliance of their OT networks.
TNS Recommends
Moxa's EDF-G1002-BP Series is an advanced LAN firewall that boosts industrial cybersecurity and provides the reliability required for your applications. Visit our website to learn more about the features Moxa EDF-G1002-BP series offers.
About TNS
TNS offers scalable network infrastructure solutions. We have an experienced team of industrial network experts. As Singapore's Authorised Distributor for Moxa, customers can be assured of local technical and sales support. Contact us today for a free consultation on your application requirements.
