Moxa helps strengthen XP security and industrial cybersecurity
How do you protect your OT networks when:
- XP cannot be upgraded
- Windows 7 and 8 no longer get security updates
- your programs can't run on Windows 10?
So your network isn't adequately protected against viruses and cyberattacks?
Moxa has developed an industrial cybersecurity solution for this. It consists of 3 parts:
1. EtherCatch IEC-G102-BP series with next generation IPS
✔ Protects at the cellular level via your set rules, by:
- Block traffic down to the protocol level, e.g. only allow Modbus and Ethernet/IP.
- Send a warning if the set rules are violated.
- Monitor for viruses in the same way as the protection on your notebook.
2. EtherFire IEF-G9010 series with next generation firewall
✔ Protects at zone level.
✔ Has a built-in switch, VPN and NAT routing.
3. Security Dashboard Console security management software that:
✔ Continuously monitor EtherCatch and EtherFire for cyber threats and record incidents
✔ Gives you a holistic overview
✔ via subscription proactively download and install virus patches on EtherCatch and EtherFire.
Both EtherCatch and EtherFire are robustly designed for even harsh industrial environments:
- IDS/IPS Dual Mode
- Fine-grained Policy Enforcement (DPI=deep packet inspection)
- Virtual Patch
- DDoS protection
- Compact and robust design.
Worth considering
The solution is worth considering whether or not your business is covered by the new NIS2 directive.
Because it's a solution that will strengthen network defenses for critical production and infrastructure, and allow business owners to return to business as usual quickly and safely.
Connecting multiple devices, aggregating data and remote monitoring to increase production has become the new normal for businesses.
But an increase in interconnectivity between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) also increases the attack surface, introducing potential cyber threats to previously isolated industrial networks.
Industrial cybersecurity is in global and European focus
According to the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2023, large-scale cyberattacks are a constant threat, and subsequent disruption of critical information infrastructure and networks poses a major risk to the global economy.
“We are seeing an increase in cybercrime and attempts to disrupt critical technology-based resources and services will become more common, with attacks expected against agriculture and water supply, financial systems, public safety, transportation, energy, and domestic, space and underwater communication infrastructures.”
Most recently, the EU's NIS2 directive sets new security requirements for critical businesses including their suppliers.
Several cyber incidents have affected critical production and infrastructure. Therefore, companies are now required to reduce potential virus and cybersecurity risks that could hinder their industrial activities.
Windows 7 and XP security in particular is vulnerable in industrial OT systems
Manufacturing companies with older OT systems, such as XP or Windows 7 or 8 that are no longer updated and supported, are particularly vulnerable to virus and cyber attacks. This vulnerability makes them a security risk in corporate networks.
This is where Moxa's industrial virus and cybersecurity solution can be of great help to businesses. It includes critical IT cybersecurity technologies such as an Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) and a key Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) component specifically designed to protect OT networks from cyber threats - without disrupting industrial operations.
EtherCatch and EtherFire series:
- Protects critical assets like PLCs and HMIs at the edge of OT networks
- Can “track” network traffic and provide users with visibility into existing assets and connections, helping administrators and operators understand the state of current OT systems with fine-grained behavioral monitoring and management of cyber activities.
- Receives frequent patching, which reduces the vulnerability of systems to cyber threats. However, it remains a challenge in OT environments. “Virtual patching acts as an agentless emergency security tool that network administrators and operators can quickly use to remediate vulnerabilities on affected OT equipment. It can complement existing patch management processes by protecting against vulnerabilities.
- Finally, administrators and operators can use Moxa's Security Dashboard Console (SDC), which includes an intuitive, real-time management feature, to monitor and manage the EtherCatch and EtherFire series from one place. SDC can create and automate security policies, monitor network activity in real-time with a snapshot, and quickly perform policy, firmware and pattern updates for EtherCatch and EtherFire devices. And it gives you a great visual overview.
It is an industrial cybersecurity solution with centralized management tailored for OT networks that empowers IT managers, operations managers and manufacturers to secure factories and remote sites.
Moxa has created a video demonstrating how their devices effectively prevent virus and cyber attacks in industrial environments - watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR9AwvdEVWE
See also our previous post on how to builds safety barriers in industrial systems here.
If you need help, then Please contact Poul or Søren here..