IoT and OT Security Services

IoT and OT Security Services

At SafeCipher we have been securing Operational Technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) environments, helping organizations bridge the critical gap between IT and OT systems while ensuring robust security. With over 24 years of experience in the security and cryptography fields, we have extensive expertise in developing and implementing strategies that integrate OT and IT systems securely and efficiently. Our approach is built on a Zero Trust framework, ensuring that both IT and OT environments remain resilient against evolving cyber threats, particularly in the context of IoT devices, industrial control systems (ICS), and embedded devices.

We understand the unique challenges that arise when converging OT and IT systems, especially when OT environments were historically isolated to reduce risk. Today, organizations are increasingly merging these environments to improve efficiency, but this convergence must be done with careful consideration of cybersecurity risks. Our consultancy ensures that this convergence is achieved securely by adopting a Zero Trust approach, which assumes no trust by default, regardless of whether systems are within or outside the organization’s network perimeter.

Zero Trust and Convergence of OT and IT

Converging OT and IT systems requires a thoughtful, well-architected security strategy, particularly due to the sensitive nature of OT systems that control critical infrastructure, manufacturing, and industrial operations. Our Zero Trust approach to OT/IT convergence ensures that access controls are applied based on strict verification, identity, and least-privilege principles, protecting both IT and OT environments from insider and outsider threats.

We ensure:

  • Continuous Monitoring and Access Controls: Applying strict identity and access management (IAM) policies for both OT and IT systems, regardless of whether the system is internal or external.
  • Segmentation and Micro-Segmentation: Using firewalls, network segmentation, and micro-segmentation to isolate OT and IT systems while maintaining secure communication channels between them.
  • Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR & XDR): Implementing real-time monitoring and threat detection for both IT and OT devices, identifying any suspicious behaviour and responding to potential threats immediately.

The Purdue Model and OT Security

We are deeply familiar with the Purdue Model for Industrial Control Systems (ICS), a framework that divides an industrial network into hierarchical levels to improve security and segmentation. The Purdue Model ensures that OT systems remain protected from threats originating from higher levels of IT infrastructure while enabling effective communication between OT and IT when necessary.

Our experience with the Purdue Model includes:

  • Defining and Implementing Security Zones: Working across Purdue Levels 0–5 to ensure secure data flows between industrial control systems, SCADA systems, and enterprise IT networks.
  • Zone and Conduit Model: Ensuring that data and traffic flowing between OT and IT systems are appropriately secured and monitored to prevent lateral movement of threats.
  • Policy Implementation: Developing tailored security policies for each layer of the Purdue Model to meet specific business and compliance requirements.

Microsoft Defender XDR for OT Security

As part of our expertise in OT security, we have successfully integrated Microsoft Defender XDR (Extended Detection and Response) to monitor and protect OT systems, including sensors and control devices. Defender XDR is instrumental in detecting and responding to threats across OT and IT environments. Through continuous monitoring, we detect anomalies and potential threats within both IT and OT systems, providing a unified response across the network.

Our experience includes:

  • Monitoring OT Sensors and Devices: Leveraging Defender XDR to provide deep visibility into OT sensors, PLCs, SCADA systems, and other critical OT devices.
  • Threat Intelligence: Using Defender XDR’s advanced threat intelligence capabilities to identify potential vulnerabilities and vulnerabilities in OT and IoT devices before they can be exploited.
  • Incident Response: Automating threat detection and response, ensuring OT systems can continue functioning securely without compromising performance or operational continuity.

OTbase by Langner and Other OT Security Solutions

We are also well-versed in deploying specialized OT security solutions such as OTbase by Langner, a solution designed for securing industrial control systems (ICS). OTbase offers valuable features for monitoring OT networks, controlling access, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Our team has deployed OTbase to help large enterprises, particularly those in critical infrastructure sectors, protect their OT networks from cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

In addition to OTbase, we have implemented a wide range of OT security products, including:

  • Industrial Control System (ICS) Security Products: Solutions designed to protect SCADA systems, PLCs, and remote terminal units (RTUs).
  • Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Using IDS and firewalls tailored for OT environments to ensure safe communication between OT systems and the IT infrastructure.

Post-Quantum Security for Embedded Devices

As IoT and OT devices become more sophisticated, we are at the forefront of addressing the challenges of post-quantum cryptography in embedded systems. Quantum computers will eventually be capable of breaking many of the cryptographic algorithms used today (like RSA and ECDSA). Given the limited resources available in many embedded and OT devices, implementing post-quantum algorithms presents unique challenges, such as:

  • Limited Memory and Processing Power: Many embedded devices have constrained resources, which makes implementing the more complex post-quantum cryptographic algorithms difficult. We specialize in researching and deploying lightweight, efficient quantum-safe algorithms tailored for embedded systems.
  • Backward Compatibility: Our team focuses on ensuring that new quantum-safe algorithms can be integrated into existing systems without disrupting operations, particularly in industries with legacy OT and IoT infrastructure.
  • Long-Term Protection: We help businesses understand the importance of migrating to quantum-resistant algorithms in anticipation of quantum computing advancements, ensuring that their IoT and OT devices remain secure in the long term.

Our Research and Approach to Embedded Device Migration

Our research into migrating embedded devices to post-quantum cryptography includes:

  • Algorithm Optimization: Identifying and implementing quantum-safe algorithms that are optimized for embedded systems with limited computational power and memory, such as Lattice-based Cryptography and Code-based Cryptography.
  • Hardware-Based Solutions: Leveraging HSMs and other cryptographic hardware to offload resource-heavy computations from embedded devices.
  • Hybrid Approaches: Developing hybrid cryptographic solutions that combine existing encryption techniques with post-quantum algorithms to provide future-proof security while ensuring backward compatibility.

Get In Touch

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you secure your OT and IoT environments, integrate IT and OT systems using Zero Trust principles, and prepare for the post-quantum era. Our team’s expertise in the Purdue Model, Microsoft Defender XDR, OTbase, and other industry-leading security solutions ensures that we can provide the best possible protection for your critical infrastructure.