Palo Alto Networks and Siemens have extended their technological collaboration to strengthen the security of mission-critical networks and protect critical infrastructure from assaults.
Palo Alto Networks VM-Series Virtual Next-Generation Firewalls and Siemens Ruggedcom Multi-Service Platforms will be integrated to provide customers with continuous, scalable hardware that will allow them to extend consistent security policy and visibility across IT, critical OT, and industrial control systems (ICS) infrastructure.
“Critical infrastructure, such as smart utility substations, intelligent transportation systems, traffic signaling, and private broadband gateways in remote locations, is incredibly challenging to secure because the systems are highly distributed, complex, and often in very harsh environments. But securing these systems is paramount as they make for high-profile targets for cyberattacks, with impacts that go beyond economic consequences,” said Anand Oswal, senior vice president of Network Security for Palo Alto Networks.
He added, “By bringing together our Next-Generation Firewall technology with Siemens’ experience in industrial control systems and unique environments, companies can protect their industrial control systems and other key infrastructure without compromising security, performance, or the ability to scale.”
“Our network components from Ruggedcom have been the mainstay of critical infrastructure networks in harsh environments, which has helped us build a deep understanding of their unique challenges and requirements,” said Jeremy Bryant, general manager, Siemens Ruggedcom.
“By adding Palo Alto Networks VM-Series firewalls to our platform approach, we are further enhancing our cybersecurity solutions portfolio. This integrated hardware and software solution offers our customers a field-proven way of securing even the legacy devices in their network, achieving regulatory compliance and improved security posture for mission-critical applications,” added Jeremy Bryant.
Palo Alto Networks’ VM-Series virtual firewalls provide best-in-class security, are highly scalable, and can be installed in any virtual or cloud environment. With natively integrated security services, VM-Series virtual firewalls secure all traffic, including encrypted traffic, based on a comprehensive context that encompasses user identification, application identity, and device identity and thwarts modern cyberthreats. Wherever the Siemens Ruggedcom RX1500 Multi-Service Platform is installed, centralized management makes it simple to provide protection and security to industrial systems.
The Ruggedcom APE1808 for the Ruggedcom RX1500 Multi-Service Platform is a small but powerful industrial application-hosting platform for third-party apps that allows industrial clients to safeguard HMI, engineering workstations, and field equipment in hostile environments. In these cases, the ML-powered VM-Series virtual firewalls act as a perimeter gateway, using segmentation and rules to allow operators to control applications connecting across various subnets, preventing lateral threat movement and ensuring regulatory compliance. The Ruggedcom RX1500 with the APE1808 can also be used to provide application-level monitoring for control centers running SCADA systems.
