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Protection, visibility & control for operational environments

Industrial network security

In today's increasingly digital and interconnected world, securing operational technology (OT) in the manufacturing sector and other critical infrastructures has never been more urgent. Effective segmentation is key to preventing downtime and reducing risks in factories and critical systems.

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OT is not just another version of IT

Trends & Challenges

The World Economic Forum highlights manufacturing as the top target for cyber attacks, causing major operational disruptions. With new regulations like NIS2 and standards such as ISA/IEC 62443, organizations are under pressure to improve network security, especially in operational environments (OT) where networks are more open and vulnerable.

The Purdue model, meant to separate IT from OT, is often poorly implemented, making systems more vulnerable and leading to prolonged downtime and recovery.

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Use-cases

Industrial network security solutions

Anybus is the world’s most widely used product family for industrial network connectivity. Anybus devices enable communication between machines and segment networks, thereby offering enhanced control and ensuring that industrial networks remain safeguarded and optimized for uninterrupted operation.

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ISA/IEC 62443 Zones and Conduits

Robust network segmentation

A large automated factory should divide its machines and production lines into separate zones, using firewalls and gateways between them for security. This is based on the ISA/IEC 62443 model, which reduces risks and potential impacts. North/South traffic is managed by industrial firewalls that monitor and control all communication, while East/West traffic is handled by gateways that only allow industrial protocol data, blocking other IP communication between zones.

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Address conflict avoidance

Simple NAT and protection

Manage IP addresses efficiently thorough implementation of Network Address Translation (NAT) and routing scenarios is critical for operational networks. In addition, traffic filtering strategies can be applied  to control what traffic can pass through and what should be blocked.
Anybus Defenders offer simple setup tools to create robust secure networks with NAT enabled. 

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Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)

Critical asset protection

For assets of critical importance to the operational process deep inspection capabilities can be enforced. Functionality called Deep Packet Inspection has the capability to decode the user-level protocol and be specific about what operational procedures are allowed and should be blocked. In this way you for instance can block PLC write request while still allowing read. Anybus Defender can decode recorded traffic itself to make a suggested DPI ruleset for industrial protocols automatically.

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Secure WAN for OT

In distributed environments such as water treatment facilities, individual sites need protection from external intruders. Additionally, secure connectivity must be maintained with the central control center. An OT-SDWAN integrated into Anybus Defender can easily facilitate this using modern VPN technologies like WireGuard©, all centrally managed from the Anybus Cybersecurity Console.

Video Podcast

HMS TechTalk

In this interview, Thomas Vasen, Business Development Manager for Network Security at Anybus, discusses the growing challenges of cybersecurity in industrial environments.

He highlights how the rapid digitalization of industrial networks has expanded the risk of cyberattacks, especially with the shift from older serial networks to Ethernet-based systems. Vasen emphasizes the importance of network segmentation to limit the impact of cyber incidents and protect operational continuity. 

Q&A

What is the current state of industrial network security?
The state of industrial network security is concerning, as manufacturing is now a primary target for cybercriminals. With the increasing digitalization of industrial systems and the shift from traditional fieldbuses to Ethernet networks, the threat surface has expanded, making operational control networks more vulnerable to attacks.

What can companies do to improve their network security?
Companies should focus on network segmentation, which involves dividing the network into separate zones to limit the spread and impact of cyber incidents. This method, inspired by ISA/IEC 62443, reduces risk by controlling traffic between zones and implementing security measures such as firewalls.

How does the Anybus Defender help with OT security?
The Anybus Defender is designed specifically for OT environments. It works on a “deny by default” principle and simplifies the process of deep packet inspection for industrial protocols, allowing only authorized traffic. It also operates on a perpetual license, ensuring long-term protection without the risk of downtime due to subscription lapses.

Why is there a difference in priorities between IT and OT security?
In IT, the focus is on confidentiality, while in OT, the priority is availability and uptime. Operational managers care more about keeping production running smoothly, whereas IT teams focus on data protection. This difference means OT security needs specialized solutions that prioritize uptime while still maintaining strong protection.

Product categories

Products used for industrial network security

Additional resources

Do you want to find out more?

Defending industrial automation against cyberattacks

With reports of cyberattacks on the industrial sector becoming all too familiar, Thomas Vasen, Anybus Business Development Manager Network Security at HMS Networks, outlines five strategies companies can adopt to fortify their defenses and avoid becoming the latest victim.

Read the blog post

Anybus Industrial Security Brochure

Learn more about the offering and importance of cybersecurity within your industrial network.

Read the brochure

Awareness & Training

Our Industrial Security Awareness Training equips you with the knowledge and skills to identify and mitigate threats, ensuring the safety of your physical and cyber environments.

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Webinars

Join us in our webinar series to explore the latest regulations, technological advancements, and cybersecurity trends reshaping OT environments. You’ll discover how strategies like defense in depth, IT/OT separation, and industrial network segmentation can effectively guard against cyber threats.

Browse and view recordings