Siemens, Zscaler offer all-in-one solution to boost OT digital security

Zscaler and Siemens have reportedly offered a proven solution that consolidates Siemens' devices and the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange cloud security platform to help expedite digital security initiatives of customers with OT (operational technology) infrastructures.

The solution, offered directly by Siemens, will enable global customers to get the Zscaler Remote Access for OT along with Scalance LPE, Siemens' flexible local processing platform.

The new solution allows customers to securely manage, regulate quality assurance, and assess production OT infrastructures and their applications from any workplace remotely.

With the advent of the hybrid economy and working environment, there is a surging demand for higher production output, factory automation, and a pliable staff for OT applications. Simultaneously, factories fall prey to debilitating cyberattacks causing human and financial loss.

Siemens and Zscaler have identified that new security methods like zero trust access should be included with conventional defensive strategies to enable factory digitization and modernization.

Factories equipping zero trust access abilities can now mitigate their risk while utilizing remote staff or establishing connections to the cloud and the internet. This allows factories to optimize technology innovation thereby accelerating factory output.

The Zscaler Private Access for OT extension will enable third-party workers, contractors, and factory staff to access factory systems remotely and securely to perform tasks like maintenance and monitoring.

Herbert Wegmann, General Manager of Digital Connectivity and Power at Siemens Digital Industries revealed that the zero-trust principles are extremely important to the smart factory avenues.

Wegmann added that operators are adopting digitalization to introduce automation to their production and simultaneously bring a new approach of connectivity between the internet and the shopfloors.

Some of the major advantages of the OT remote access solution are:

• Secure remote access to machines and plants
• Special remote access for third-party and internal users
• Smooth integration into current OT networks
• OT/IT convergence
• SaaS Service through a multi-tenant, distributed security exchange

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