As companies restart production after factory shutdowns lasting weeks or even months, they are realizing the difficulty of controlling production processes designed for maximum efficiency. To ensure compliance with new social distancing guidelines, processes are being reorganized to reduce labor-intensive tasks. Connecting more field devices, inputting data, and remotely monitoring output to increase production have become new but commonplace for companies. However, the increased interconnection between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) also expands the attack surface, presenting potential cyber threats to previously isolated industrial networks. Ultimately, the challenges businesses face in reopening quickly and safely are becoming increasingly difficult.

System availability is often the most critical concern for OT systems, and IT cybersecurity solutions cannot meet the security requirements of industrial networks. Some OT systems, for example, have legacy devices and cannot apply security patches, even though IT security policies clearly state that security patches must be available and updated as needed. In some scenarios, system operations must be halted before security updates can be performed, which is far from ideal for business owners. Furthermore, because OT systems communicate using industrial protocols, this communication is often invisible and requires custom software for interpretation. A more effective approach, such as OT-based Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), is needed to prevent operations from being disrupted by cyber threats and attacks and ensure businesses can return to normal. Moxa's industrial cybersecurity solution helps address these challenges. The solution consists of the next-generation industrial IPS EtherCatch IEC-G102-BP Series, the next-generation industrial firewall EtherFire IEF-G9010, and the Security Dashboard Console (SDC) security management software, which can proactively protect OT systems against malicious cyber activity, quickly patch vulnerabilities affecting OT equipment using virtual patches, and easily improve visibility into industrial networks.

Moxa's Industrial Cybersecurity Solution:
Protecting OT Systems Against Malicious Cyber ​​Activity.
The EtherCatch Series next-generation industrial IPS and the EtherFire Series next-generation industrial firewall protect critical assets such as PLC and HMI devices at the edge of OT networks. Equipped with OT-based DPI technology, the EtherCatch and EtherFire can track network traffic and provide users with visibility into existing assets and connections. This helps administrators and operators understand the current status of OT systems with detailed monitoring and control of cyber activity.

Pattern-based virtual patching:
Patching often and significantly reduces system exposure to cyber threats, although it remains a critical challenge in OT environments. "Virtual patching" technologies can complement existing patch management processes and protect against vulnerabilities. Virtual patching acts as an agentless emergency security tool that network administrators and operators can use to quickly remediate vulnerabilities affecting OT equipment.

Real-time visibility and centralized management:
Moxa's Security Dashboard Console (SDC) includes an intuitive, real-time management feature that allows administrators and operators to manage the EtherCatch and EtherFire series from a single location. The SDC can coordinate and automate security policy, monitor network activity at a glance in real time, and execute policy, firmware, and pattern updates for the EtherCatch and EtherFire series.

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