At DISTRIBUTECH in February 2019, Nozomi Networks debuted our ICS cyber security and visibility solution as part of the RUGGEDCOM Multi-Service Platform products from Siemens AG.
Now, our solution is available as a certified partner application on the new RUGGEDCOM APE (Application Processing Engine) application hosting platform, which runs in the RUGGEDCOM Multi-Service Platform RX15xx. This embedded solution delivers real-time security and OT network visibility for industrial operators and security teams dealing with harsh and constrained environments. Users gain the OT security functionality they need, with minimal rackspace and streamlined procurement and installation efforts.
Industrial-Grade Networking and Switching Plus a Comprehensive ICS Security Solution
The certified partner application embeds the Nozomi Networks Guardian virtual appliance into the new, more powerful version of the RUGGEDCOM APE. Designed specifically for electric power utilities, rail and traffic control systems, the APE is also well suited for other industrial environments such as manufacturing, material handling (ports) and water facilities. RUGGEDCOM APE1808 enables a range of applications such as firewalls, network log and load processors, and cyber security sensors. It’s designed to analyze data at the source, without the complications of dealing with additional industrial computer equipment.
“This is likely to be the way these ICS detection systems will be deployed on anything with scale once the market matures. The communication is analyzed on the switch and only the alerts, nearby to alert packet captures, and meta data are forwarded to the detection management application for further analysis. It’s all configurable, so you can determine how much you want to send to the management application, and this can be adjusted as the threat or an incident warrants.”
Dale Peterson, Founder and CEO, Digital Bond
RUGGEDCOM, embedded with Nozomi Networks Guardian virtual appliances, provides operators and cyber security teams with an industrial-hardened networking and switching platform that includes comprehensive cyber security capabilities.
Nozomi Networks Guardian capabilities enable industrial operators to:
- Automatically and intelligently discover the assets, connections, protocols, and topologies of industrial network environments
- Continuously monitor network communications and behavior for cyber security and operational risks
- Quickly detect threats with real-time alerts that include the information and context needed for rapid, precise response
Minimizing Hardware Footprint Requirements
The RUGGEDCOM APE1808 is a utility-grade computing module that slots into any of the RUGGEDCOM Multi-Service Platforms RX15xx, which serve as industrial-hardened Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches and routers for industrial control networks. They run hot-swappable modules for firewalls, compliance and VPNs, in addition to Nozomi Networks Guardian appliances. The Siemens RUGGEDCOM Layer 2 and Layer 3 Ethernet switches and APE1808 modules operate at between -40 to +75 degrees Celsius.
The architecture of the RUGGEDCOM RX15xx family is specifically designed to run third-party software applications, without the complications of procuring additional on-premise computing devices. This is ideal for scenarios like existing power utility substations, where the space allotted for intelligent electronic devices is limited. Hence, the integrated Nozomi Networks / Siemens RUGGEDCOM solution minimizes hardware footprint and rackspace requirements. In particular, industrial operators with existing RX15xx implementations can take advantage of an available slot in the RUGGEDCOM APE to readily implement Nozomi Networks Guardian.
Additional benefits of the combined solution include:
- Fast deployment and high scalability
- Low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) due to streamlined procurement, deployment and field upgrades
- Optimum performance and reliability
- Flexible formats, suitable for rapidly changing industrial networks and varying environments
Performance and Reliability Across All Industrial Environments
Since its debut in February, the integrated Nozomi Networks / Siemens RUGGEDCOM solution has been deployed in both control center and substation environments. It has been proven to deliver industrial network visibility and monitoring performance comparable to running the Guardian appliance on its own.
Optimum performance, combined with the high reliability of the Siemens RUGGEDCOM Multi-Service Platform provides a winning combination for the joint solution.
The architecture of the RUGGEDCOM RX15xx family is specifically designed to run third-party software applications, without the complications of procuring additional on-premise computing devices. This is ideal for scenarios like existing power utility substations, where the space allotted for intelligent electronic devices is limited. Hence, the integrated Nozomi Networks / Siemens RUGGEDCOM solution minimizes hardware footprint and rackspace requirements. In particular, industrial operators with existing RX15xx implementations can take advantage of an available slot in the RUGGEDCOM APE to readily implement Nozomi Networks Guardian.
Additional benefits of the combined solution include:
- Fast deployment and high scalability
- Low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) due to streamlined procurement, deployment and field upgrades
- Optimum performance and reliability
- Flexible formats, suitable for rapidly changing industrial networks and varying environments
Performance and Reliability Across All Industrial Environments
Since its debut in February, the integrated Nozomi Networks / Siemens RUGGEDCOM solution has been deployed in both control center and substation environments. It has been proven to deliver industrial network visibility and monitoring performance comparable to running the Guardian appliance on its own.
Optimum performance, combined with the high reliability of the Siemens RUGGEDCOM Multi-Service Platform provides a winning combination for the joint solution.
“This is a significant milestone for the market and for our partnership with Siemens. Embedding Nozomi Networks solutions into the RUGGEDCOM APE saves coveted rackspace and eliminates integration cycles. Users now have an efficient and reliable solution with cyber security capabilities baked in.”
Andrea Carcano, Nozomi Networks Co-founder and Chief Product Officer
Making Cyber Security Easier for Industrial Operators
As cyber threats escalate and attack surfaces expand, delivering innovative solutions for cyber resiliency is critical. Fortunately, the Nozomi Networks real-time cyber security and visibility solution, integrated with the Siemens RUGGEDCOM Multi-Service Platform, delivers a comprehensive security solution that is easier and more efficient for industrial operators to manage.
If you are poised to engage in deeper discussions, the Nozomi Networks / Siemens team is at the ready. To get started, simply contact us.
