In a context where information systems and OT (Operational Technology) are increasingly interconnected, cybersecurity is becoming a crucial issue for guaranteeing the reliability and security of industrial environments. Indeed, the increasing digitalization of production processes and equipment connectivity are exposing these environments to increasingly sophisticated cyber-attack risks.
Protecting industrial control systems and critical assets is therefore essential to prevent incidents and ensure business continuity. IoT Cybersecurity In this article, we’ll explore theimportance of cybersecurity for IoT environments, and the steps that can be taken to strengthen the security of industrial infrastructures.

The fundamentals of OT cybersecurity

The fundamental principles of IoT cybersecurity are based on the protection of critical infrastructures, including IoT networks and industrial control systems such as SCADA and ICS.
Due to the increasing interconnection between IT and OT environments, monitoring OT architectures and uncovering potential threats is essential for effective OT security.
IoT security solutions from suppliers such as Fortinet and Palo Alto Networks are essential for securing components and systems in industrial environments.
By 2024, IoT security must be a top priority to protect operational technologies and avoid security breaches.
In the context of industrial cybersecurity, it is crucial to understand that IoT is generally more vulnerable to attacks than IT security, due to the external connectivity and specific communication protocols used in IoT systems.
For this reason, OT and IT security need to be considered holistically to protect IT operations and systems in both IT and OT environments.
IT security devices for OT infras and services are essential to control sensors, firewalls and data acquisition and control systems.

Cybersecurity best practices in IoT environments

Fortinet solutions

Operational systems (OoS) infrastructures present unique challenges in terms of IT security, due to their mission-critical nature and often non-compliant with traditional IT standards.
Fortinet, renowned for its robust security appliances, offers an integrated approach specifically tailored to the requirements of IoT environments. FortiGate (Next-generation firewall)

  • Enhanced security: FortiGate offers advanced protection against threats thanks to its next-generation firewall capabilities.
    It integrates intrusion prevention, web filtering and application control functions, essential for IoT networks.
  • Specific OT services: These services are designed to address the specific needs of industrial environments, including special threat detection and industrial protocol security.

FortiSwitch (secure switching)

  • Simplified network management: FortiSwitch facilitates management of OT networks through seamless integration with Fortinet security solutions, enabling centralized administration via FortiGate.
  • Access layer security: Offers network segmentation capabilities, essential for isolating and protecting critical resources in IoT structures.

FortiGuard (Security Services)

  • Security updates: FortiGuard provides continuous signature and policy updates to respond rapidly to new IoT-specific threats and vulnerabilities.
  • Defense enhancement: Industrial security consulting and anomaly detection services to improve incident visibility and response.

FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer (administration and analysis tools)

  • Centralized management: FortiManager enables centralized management of security policies, which is crucial for large industrial networks with multiple OT sites.
  • In-depth analysis: FortiAnalyzer offers advanced analysis and reporting capabilities, enabling detailed assessment of network security and performance.

IoT and industrial safety

  • Visibility and control: Fortinet solutions enable a detailed inventory of IoT and industrial devices, essential for effective security management.
  • Virtual patching: this technique enables systems to be protected against vulnerabilities without the need for direct modifications to equipment, making it ideal for hard-to-patch IoT devices.

Microsegmentation

  • Fine-grained access control: microsegmentation is used to precisely control traffic between devices in IoT networks, reducing the attack surface and improving overall security.

Integration and access control in IoT environments with Fortinet

The security of operational technology (OT) environments involves much more than protection against malware and intrusions.
Access control and systems integration also play a crucial role in securing these complex and sensitive environments.
Fortinet offers advanced solutions to meet these challenges. Zero Trust principle

  • Security philosophy: The “zero trust” principle is based on the idea that no actor, system or service operating inside or outside the network should automatically be considered secure.
    This is particularly relevant in IoT environments, where system integrity and availability are crucial.
  • Application in OT: Fortinet integrates this principle throughout its security solutions, ensuring that all communications and access are strictly checked and controlled, reducing the risk of accidents or targeted attacks.

FortiNAC (Network Access Control)

  • Network access control: FortiNAC lets you determine who and what devices can access the OT network.
    This solution monitors network access in real time, improving visibility and incident response.
  • IoT device management: With the rise of IoT devices in industrial environments, FortiNAC helps identify and manage these devices, ensuring they are secure and pose no risk to the network.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) solutions

  • FortiAuthenticator and FortiToken: These products provide robust authentication solutions that require multiple verification factors before granting access to critical systems. This extra layer of security is essential to protect sensitive environments from unauthorized access.
  • Enhanced security for remote access: As remote working and remote access to IoT systems become more commonplace, multi-factor authentication ensures that only authorized users can access the network.

FortiVPN and FortiPAM (Privileged Access Management)

  • FortiVPN: Provides secure, encrypted access to OT network resources for remote users, which is crucial for remote maintenance and management of industrial plants.
  • FortiPAM: This privileged access management platform ensures that all access to sensitive resources is not only secure, but also tracked. It enables increased monitoring of privileged users’ activities, a key aspect in preventing data leaks and sabotage.

Purdue model coverage in IoT environments with Fortinet

The Purdue model is an essential reference framework for the architecture of industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technologies (OT). This model divides systems into several levels, from the physical layer of field devices to enterprise systems, enabling clear structuring of security measures. Fortinet, with its broad portfolio of security products, offers a complete solution that fits this model perfectly, providing integrated, automated protection for IoT environments. Description of the Purdue model

  • Model levels: The Purdue model comprises several levels, from level 0 (physical processes) to level 5 (business systems).
  • Importance for OT security: Each level has its own security needs and requirements. Understanding these levels helps to apply appropriate security measures for each layer without compromising the functionality or effectiveness of the other levels.

Application of Fortinet solutions to the Purdue model

  1. Levels 0 and 1 – Safety of devices and physical processes
    • Infrastructure protection: use of Fortinet hardware solutions, such as ruggedized firewall appliances, which are specially designed to withstand harsh industrial environments.
    • Monitoring and control: sensors and controllers, essential at these levels, benefit from microsegmentation and reinforced access control to secure communication between devices.
  2. Level 2 – Operations control
    • Integration with control systems: Fortinet solutions facilitate secure integration with SCADA and DCS systems, providing intrusion protection and real-time monitoring of suspicious activity.
  3. Level 3 – Operations management
    • Operational data security: FortiSIEM and FortiSOAR are used for secure management of operational information, enabling automated analysis and response to any security incident.
  4. Levels 4 and 5 – Business systems and IT
    • Secure connection: Fortinet ensures the security of data flowing between operational levels and enterprise systems with FortiGate, which provides a secure, controlled gateway.
    • Access and identity management: Fortinet’s multi-factor authentication and privileged access management solutions reinforce security at these levels, ensuring that only authorized people have access to critical systems.

Integration and automation

  • Unified view: with Fortinet, organizations can obtain a unified view of security across all levels of the Purdue model, enabling centralized management of security policies and incident response.
  • Compliance and best practices: Fortinet’s solutions are designed to comply with industry regulations and standards, facilitating compliance with security best practices without compromising the performance of IoT systems.

By aligning its solutions with the Purdue model, Fortinet offers a cybersecurity platform that not only effectively protects every level of IoT architecture, but also enables seamless integration and management of security across the entire organization. This holistic approach is essential to protect critical infrastructures against modern threats, while ensuring their efficiency and operational resilience.

To conclude

The adoption of cybersecurity solutions tailored to the specificities of IoT environments is more essential than ever in the face of rapidly evolving digital threats targeting critical infrastructures. Fortinet, with its comprehensive approach and alignment with the Purdue model, offers a range of solutions that precisely address security needs at every level of the IoT architecture. From physical device protection to enterprise systems security, Fortinet provides integrated, automated defense that strengthens the resilience of industrial networks. As a reseller of Fortinet Firewall products in Switzerland, please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

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