In-depth analysis of the best industrial cybersecurity (OT) solutions to secure SCADA systems, automation, and critical infrastructure from modern threats.
The Urgency of Securing the Operational World (OT)
For decades, the industrial world lived in a security bubble of obscurity. Operational networks (OT), managing automation (PLC) and SCADA systems, were physically isolated from the internet. Today, the IT/OT convergence and the rise of Industry 4.0 have broken this 'air-gap'. This hyper-connectivity now exposes critical equipment, often outdated and unpatched, to sophisticated cyberattacks such as ransomware or infrastructure sabotage.
Securing an industrial environment is not done in the same way as a traditional computer park. Here, availability takes precedence over confidentiality: you cannot afford to block a gas valve or stop a production line due to a false positive. This is why specialized solutions have emerged, capable of understanding industrial protocols (Modbus, Profinet, EtherNet/IP) without disrupting vital processes.
1. Nozomi Networks: Real-Time Visibility
Nozomi Networks has established itself as a leader thanks to its exceptional ability to map industrial assets. Their platform uses passive network listening to identify each device, its firmware version, and known vulnerabilities, all without injecting a single packet that could crash an old automation system. It's the tool of choice for getting total visibility into what's really happening in layers 1 to 3 of the Purdue model.
Beyond inventory, Nozomi excels in anomaly detection through machine learning. If an automation system suddenly starts communicating with an external server or if process variables go out of their usual ranges, an alert is immediately generated. You can explore their solutions on the official website of Nozomi Networks.
2. Claroty: Unified Extended Internet of Things (XIoT) Management
Claroty stands out with its holistic approach, which they call 'XIoT' (Extended Internet of Things). Their platform, particularly with the xDome solution, allows for securing not only traditional industrial automation but also medical devices and building technical management systems (GTB). Their analysis engine is renowned for its finesse in identifying proprietary protocols often encountered in older generation factories.
A strong point of Claroty is its ability to facilitate secure remote access. Rather than using generic VPNs that are sieve-like for attackers, Claroty offers a secured access gateway dedicated to maintenance technicians, strictly limiting their actions to the necessary machines. More information is available at Claroty.
3. Fortinet: Robust Hardware Segmentation
Unlike purely software solutions, Fortinet relies on a reinforced hardware approach. Their industrial version FortiGate firewalls are designed to withstand extreme temperatures and electromagnetic interference. The idea is to implement strict micro-segmentation: if a sensor is compromised, the attacker cannot bounce to the rest of the factory.
The integration of Fortinet's 'Security Fabric' allows for correlating security events between the office (IT) and the workshop (OT). This provides the indispensable in-depth defense to block threats before they cross the bridge between the two worlds. To discover their hardened range, visit Fortinet.
4. Cisco Cyber Vision: Integrated Network Security
Cisco has a unique approach: instead of adding extra security boxes, they integrate surveillance functions directly into their industrial switches. Cisco Cyber Vision uses existing network equipment to analyze traffic in DPI (Deep Packet Inspection). This significantly reduces deployment costs and architecture complexity.
This solution is ideal for large infrastructures where it would be physically impossible to install probes everywhere. By processing data at the edge (edge computing), Cisco enables ultra-fast reaction in case of detection of a malicious command sent to a robot or a motor.
5. Dragos Platform: Expertise of Experts
Dragos is not just a software publisher; it's a company founded by experts in responding to incidents on critical infrastructures. Their platform focuses heavily on 'Threat Intelligence'. It integrates playbooks for responding to industry-specific incidents: if an attack of the TRITON or Industroyer type is detected, the system guides the operator step-by-step to mitigate the damage.
It's an indispensable tool for highly regulated sectors like energy, water, or nuclear. Dragos emphasizes operational context, avoiding alert fatigue by only reporting events that pose a real risk to facility safety.
Conclusion: What Strategy to Adopt?
The choice of a solution depends primarily on your digital maturity. If your priority is inventory, Nozomi or Claroty are excellent. If you're building a new factory, the integrated approach of Cisco or Fortinet will be more relevant. However, never forget that a tool, no matter how performant, does not replace a solid security policy and continuous training of field operators.
Industrial cybersecurity is a journey, not a destination. Start by segmenting your networks and monitoring your most critical flows to build durable industrial resilience against tomorrow's threats.