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Next-Generation
Firewall (NGFW) for OT

OT NGFW: Advanced Protection to Secure, Monitor, and Optimize Industrial Networks.

What is an OT NGFW?

In today’s connected world, operational technology (OT) networks—such as industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA systems, and factory floor devices—are increasingly exposed to cyber threats. 

A Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW) for OT is an advanced security device specifically designed to protect these critical systems from :

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cyberattacks

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unauthorized access

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disruptions

Key Features of OT NGFWs

Application Awareness

OT NGFWs can understand and filter network traffic based on specific industrial applications, which is crucial in a manufacturing environment where traditional IT applications (e.g., email, web browsing) are not as common. This ensures that only legitimate traffic associated with industrial processes is allowed.

Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)

OT NGFWs perform deep packet inspection to analyze all aspects of the network traffic, not just headers and ports. This is vital in detecting hidden threats, such as malware or data exfiltration attempts, that may be concealed within standard OT traffic.

Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)

With real-time monitoring and threat detection, an OT NGFW can identify and block malicious activity, such as cyberattacks or vulnerabilities within devices and systems, before they can disrupt operations.

Secure Remote Access

As OT systems increasingly rely on remote access for maintenance and monitoring, an OT NGFW can ensure that remote connections are secure and that unauthorized access is blocked.

SSL/TLS Inspection

Many OT systems use encrypted traffic for secure communication. An OT NGFW can decrypt and inspect this encrypted traffic, preventing hidden threats from slipping through.

An OT NGFW combines the traditional firewall capabilities—like traffic filtering and access control—with modern features that are essential for securing industrial environments. Unlike standard IT firewalls, which focus on corporate network traffic, OT NGFWs are tailored to protect the unique needs of manufacturing environments, where downtime can lead to significant operational, financial, and reputational damage.

In manufacturing environments, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures cannot be overstated. As industrial control systems (ICS) become more interconnected, they are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks that can disrupt production, compromise safety, and lead to costly downtime.

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Why is an OT NGFW Important?

Here are some critical reasons why an OT NGFW is crucial in the manufacturing sector:

Protecting Critical Infrastructure

Manufacturing facilities rely on OT systems to control everything from assembly lines to supply chain management. A cyberattack on these systems can halt operations, cause physical damage to equipment, and even endanger worker safety. An OT NGFW helps safeguard these critical assets by filtering malicious traffic and preventing unauthorized access.

Compliance with Regulations

The manufacturing industry is subject to a variety of regulatory standards, such as NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology), IEC 62443 (Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security), and ISO/IEC 27001. These regulations require companies to implement robust cybersecurity measures. OT NGFWs help organizations comply with these requirements by providing detailed logging, monitoring, and reporting features that demonstrate adherence to security standards.

Preventing Downtime and Financial Loss

Cyberattacks targeting OT networks can lead to significant downtime, interrupting production lines and causing delays. The financial impact can be enormous. For example, a ransomware attack on a factory’s control systems could bring production to a standstill for days or even weeks. OT NGFWs prevent such attacks by identifying threats in real-time and blocking them before they can cause any damage.

Mitigating Insider Threats

In OT environments, it’s not just external attackers that pose a risk. Insider threats, whether intentional or unintentional, can cause significant harm. An OT NGFW can monitor user activity and restrict access to critical systems, ensuring that only authorized personnel can make changes to vital operations.

Securing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Devices

Many manufacturing plants are incorporating Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial IoT (IIoT) devices into their operations to improve efficiency. These devices, often connected to both IT and OT networks, can be entry points for cyberattacks if not adequately protected. OT NGFWs provide a layer of security that monitors, controls, and filters IIoT device traffic to ensure they are not exploited by hackers.
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How Does an OT NGFW Work?

An OT NGFW operates similarly to an IT NGFW but is optimized for the unique requirements of OT environments.
Here’s an overview of how it works:

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Traffic Inspection and Filtering

When network traffic enters the OT network, the OT NGFW inspects each packet in detail. It evaluates not just the basic attributes like IP addresses and ports but also the application layer to ensure that only legitimate traffic is allowed. For example, if an attack attempt is detected in an industrial protocol (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, or OPC), the firewall can block it before it reaches sensitive OT systems.

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Application Control

Unlike traditional firewalls that focus on ports and IP addresses, OT NGFWs are application-aware. This means they can identify the specific applications running on the OT network and apply granular controls. For example, if a device on the shop floor is attempting to communicate with a non-approved application or service, the NGFW can block that traffic.

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Intrusion Prevention

Using integrated Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS), OT NGFWs continuously monitor network traffic for signs of malicious activity. If suspicious behavior or known attack patterns are detected, the firewall can automatically block or isolate the affected system to prevent the spread of the attack.

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Segmentation and Zero Trust

OT NGFWs often employ network segmentation to ensure that critical systems are isolated from less-secure parts of the network. This helps contain potential attacks and prevents them from reaching critical infrastructure. By implementing a zero-trust security model, the firewall ensures that only authenticated users and devices can communicate within the network, regardless of their location.

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SSL/TLS Decryption

Many industrial systems use encrypted communication to protect sensitive data. An OT NGFW can decrypt SSL/TLS traffic, inspect it for threats, and then re-encrypt it before forwarding it to its destination. This ensures that even encrypted traffic is not hiding any malicious code or commands.

In short

An OT Next-Generation Firewall is a critical component of any manufacturing cybersecurity strategy. By offering enhanced traffic inspection, application control, intrusion prevention, and secure remote access, OT NGFWs help manufacturers protect their critical infrastructure, comply with industry regulations, and prevent costly cyberattacks. With the growing reliance on connected devices and systems in manufacturing, investing in an OT NGFW is not just a good practice—it’s essential for ensuring long-term operational security and resilience.

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