5 Ways Enterprise Secure Remote Access Tools are Superior
In the final installment of this three-blog series on Secure Remote Access (SRA), we explore why enterprise-grade SRA tools are superior to relying on OEM remote access solutions for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) environments. If you missed our previous posts, have a look at the first blog on Introduction to Secure Remote Access here and the second blog on Limitations of OEM Remote Access Tools.
Organizations are increasingly turning to dedicated secure remote access to safeguard ICS environments. These are five reasons why enterprise SRA solutions are superior to OEM alternatives.
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Enhanced Security Features
Enterprise-grade secure remote access tools are designed with cybersecurity as a top priority. These solutions typically incorporate multi-factor authentication (MFA), which requires users to provide multiple forms of verification before granting access, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access. They also use end-to-end encryption, ensuring that data transmitted between remote users and ICS components cannot be intercepted or tampered with. Additionally, they provide robust role-based access control (RBAC), allowing organizations to assign granular permissions based on specific job roles, ensuring that users only have access to the systems necessary for their work.
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Centralized Access Management
A major advantage of enterprise secure remote access tools is the ability to centralize control over all access points within the ICS environment. Instead of relying on disparate OEM tools (targeted to their own technology), organizations can enforce unified security policies across all devices, eliminating potential weak points caused by inconsistent standards. Centralized access also allows for comprehensive auditing and monitoring, providing detailed logs of every access attempt. This level of visibility helps organizations identify suspicious activity and respond to potential threats more quickly and efficiently.
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Regular Security Updates
One of the most significant advantages of dedicated secure access tools is their focus on staying ahead of emerging cybersecurity threats. Third-party vendors offering these tools typically prioritize patches or updates to address vulnerabilities as they arise, ensuring that systems are as protected as possible against emerging or new vulnerabilities. These tools also attempt to align as best as possible with industry standards, such as NIST, ISO 27001, or IEC/ISA 62443, working toward compliance with what should be stringent internal governance / security policy. With dedicated security vendors, you can count on timely updates and proactive threat mitigation.
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Vendor-Neutral Support
Unlike OEM tools that are often limited to their own specific devices, enterprise secure remote access solutions are vendor neutral. This means they can be integrated with equipment from multiple OEMs, providing organizations with greater flexibility. With a vendor-neutral approach, organizations can easily scale their operations, adding or removing devices and users without being restricted by the capabilities of individual OEM tools. This interoperability reduces complexity and ensures smooth operations, even as new devices or technologies are introduced into the ICS environment.
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Advanced Threat Detection + Response
Some enterprise-secure remote access tools come equipped with advanced cybersecurity features, such as Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), which monitor for suspicious activity and automatically take steps to block potential threats. Additionally, many of these tools operate under a built-in zero-trust architecture, meaning that no user inside or outside the network is trusted by default. Every access attempt is verified and monitored, significantly reducing the risk of insider threats or credential compromise.
Conclusion
While OEM remote access tools may offer convenience and compatibility with specific industrial equipment, they lack the robust security features, centralized management capabilities, and proactive threat detection provided by dedicated secure remote access tools. In today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape, the stakes are higher than ever for ICS environments. A security breach not only risks financial loss but can also lead to devastating consequences for critical infrastructure.
For organizations that prioritize the security of their ICS environments, investing in a secure remote access tool is a crucial step towards safeguarding industrial systems against cyber threats. By adopting a solution that prioritizes security, scalability, and long-term risk management, organizations can protect their operations and ensure resilience in the face of an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.
Technology is the conduit; our people are the connection. Protect your operations and build resilience with Compugen’s secure solutions. Learn more about how to stay Connected + Secured here.
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