Best OT Secure Remote Access Software

It’s important to shield your infrastructure from unauthorized parties to maintain integrity and confidentiality. Some common features of OT secure remote access software are as follows. 

• Network segmentation divides the network into separate segments, each containing a subset of the devices and assets. It enhances security by stopping compromised segments before the breach extends to other parts of the network.
• Virtual local area networks (VLANs) create logically separate networks within the same physical one. Like segmentation, VLAN support in remote access software enables safe, controlled access to specific network segments, which helps enforce security policies and reduce the attack surface. This segregation simplifies network administration for OT devices.
• Network mapping shows you your network by graphically displaying network devices, paths, and connections. Network mapping is important for identifying all devices in the OT environment and how they interact, which is essential for troubleshooting.
• Asset management, in the context of OT secure remote access, is the ability to track and manage information regarding network devices and systems. Solid asset management recognizes vulnerabilities, manages updates, and sustains your security posture. This centralized repository simplifies tasks like tracking asset health, configuration, and scheduling maintenance.
• User provisioning and governance functionalities empower administrators to create user accounts within the software. This keeps unauthorized personnel out of the system, minimizing the risk of shady login attempts.
• Role-based access control (RBAC) assigns system access to users based on their role within the organization. Users are granted access only to the devices and functions necessary for their assigned tasks.
• Policy-based access controls, as the name indicates, use policies to determine whether access requests should be granted. Policies can include factors like time of day, location, or device type. These functionalities establish predefined rules that govern user access.
• Endpoint security protects endpoints, such as user devices and workstations, from malware. It includes antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems. Endpoint security also makes remote devices comply with security policies.

Each type of secure remote control software differs in terms of ease of use, flexibility, and comprehensiveness of security features. Here are some of the different types.

• Virtual private networks (VPNs): VPNs extend a private network across a public network. This means users can send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their devices were directly connected to the private network. VPNs encrypt all data in transit and offer a safe conduit for remote access.
• Endpoint security: This term refers to the practices used to protect endpoints on a network. It often includes antivirus, firewall policies, intrusion prevention systems. It may also involve making sure that the endpoints meet certain security standards before they can access the network.
• Point-to-point protocol over Ethernet (PPPoE): This network protocol encapsulates PPP frames inside Ethernet frames. Mostly used for broadband modem connections, it provides authentication, encryption, and compression.
• Internet protocol security (IPsec): is a protocol suite for securing internet protocol (IP) communications by authenticating and encrypting each IP packet of a communication session. It’s often used alongside VPNs to secure the tunnel created for remote access.
• Network access control (NAC): NAC systems enforce security policy compliance on devices before they’re allowed to access the network. They grant differential access to network resources based on a user’s role, device type, device health, or time-of-day restrictions.
• Zero trust approach: The zero trust model assumes that no system, network, or service operating outside or inside the perimeter should be trusted. Instead, it advocates for rigorous identity verification and strict access controls applied both externally and internally.
• Secure shell remote access (SSH): This is a cryptographic network protocol for operating network services securely over an unsecured network. It’s widely used for logging in to remote machines to execute commands, but also supports tunneling, forwarding Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) ports, and X11 connections.
• Single sign-on (SSO): SSO lets users log in once to gain access to multiple systems. This simplifies the user experience, but it must be managed correctly to maintain an appropriate level of security.
• Desktop sharing: Remote desktop software lets users remotely view and operate a computer as if they were seated in front of it. This is used for remote technical support, collaboration, and presentation.

OT security and Information Technology (IT) are two distinct domains with unique security challenges.  IT focuses on managing and processing information, primarily through digital systems and networks. 

OT, on the other hand, is concerned with controlling physical devices and processes, such as those found in manufacturing plants, power grids, and oil refineries. While they may overlap in some areas, their fundamental differences require tailored security approaches.

IT encompasses a wide range of technologies, including computers, servers, databases, and software applications. IT security aims to protect sensitive data and systems from cyber threats such as hacking, malware, and data breaches.   

OT systems often use specialized hardware and remote access security to monitor and control industrial processes, ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability. OT security focuses on protecting these physical systems and OT devices from cyberattacks that could disrupt operations, cause physical damage, or lead to safety hazards.

Convergence of IT and OT

The increasing integration of IT and OT systems, driven by the Internet of Things (IoT) and Industry 4.0, has blurred the lines between the two. This convergence creates new security challenges as traditional IT security measures may not be sufficient to protect OT systems.   

Best Practices for OT and IT Security

• Segmentation: Isolate OT networks from IT networks to limit the potential impact of cyberattacks.   
• Access control: Implement strong access controls to restrict critical systems and data access.   
• Patch management: Keep OT systems updated with the latest security patches, considering the potential impact on operations.   
• Network security: Use firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to protect OT networks.   
• User training: Educate personnel about security best practices and potential threats.