Fortinet has announced significant advancements to its Operational Technology (OT) Security Platform, aimed at bolstering protection for critical infrastructure and industrial environments against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
Key enhancements to the OT security platform
The latest updates to Fortinet’s OT Security Platform introduce a range of powerful capabilities designed to enhance visibility, segmentation, and secure connectivity:
- FortiGuard OT security service: This service now offers in-depth threat detection across more than 3,300 OT protocol rules and nearly 750 intrusion prevention system (IPS) rules. By enabling advanced threat protection through virtual patching for legacy systems, FortiGuard helps organisations mitigate risks associated with known exploited vulnerabilities (KEVs).
- Ruggedised networking solutions: Fortinet has expanded its portfolio with new ruggedised switches, the FortiSwitch Rugged 108F and 112F-POE, which facilitate granular security enforcement at the port level. This capability is vital in preventing unauthorised lateral movement within OT networks while ensuring seamless integration with the broader security ecosystem.
- Robust 5G connectivity: Fortinet’s introduction of ruggedised 5G solutions, including the FortiExtender Rugged 511G and the FortiExtender Vehicle 511G, enhances secure connectivity for remote OT sites and fleet vehicles. These devices are designed to operate in harsh environments, featuring embedded Wi-Fi 6 and eSIM capabilities, which simplify carrier selection and enhance operational flexibility.
- Enhanced AI-driven SecOps: Updates to FortiAnalyzer and FortiDeceptor provide deeper insights into security threats, while new features in FortiNDR Cloud support threat hunting across OT protocols. This integration allows for better compliance reporting and a clearer understanding of the security landscape.
Addressing industry needs
“As cyber threats against critical infrastructure continue to grow, Fortinet remains committed to delivering comprehensive security solutions tailored for operational technology environments,” said Nirav Shah, senior vice president of Products and Solutions at Fortinet.
This commitment is underscored by Fortinet’s recognition as a leader in the Westlands Advisory 2023 IT/OT Network Protection Platforms Navigator, reflecting its market dominance and innovation in OT security.
The importance of integrated security solutions
As organisations face an increasingly complex threat landscape, the need for integrated security solutions that combine IT and OT environments has never been more critical. Fortinet’s OT Security Platform not only provides enhanced protection but also streamlines security management through a unified operating system, FortiOS.
By leveraging these advancements, security leaders can enhance their organisations’ resilience against cyber threats, ensuring that critical infrastructure remains secure and operational. The evolution of Fortinet’s offerings positions it as a key partner in the ongoing fight against cybercrime in the industrial sector, paving the way for safer operational environments.
