Remote Access

Embracing Zero-Trust Remote Access Solutions in Industrial Operations

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, secure remote access solutions are more critical than ever. With maintenance and engineering teams often doubling as IT support for industrial networks, servers, and security infrastructure, finding effective ways to manage these responsibilities is paramount. Traditional methods like Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) are increasingly proving inadequate. The future lies in Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA), which offers a more secure, efficient, and manageable approach. This blog explores the pitfalls of traditional VPN solutions, the advantages of zero-trust solutions, and the benefits of a cloud/agent architecture for secure remote access.

The Limitations of VPNs in Industrial Environments

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides remote users with an encrypted connection over the Internet, enabling secure access to corporate resources. While VPNs are widely used for secure communication, they have inherent vulnerabilities and operational challenges, especially in industrial settings.

Key Issues with VPNs:

• Overextended Access: Once a user is logged into a VPN, they often have access to a broad range of network resources, which can lead to security risks if the user’s credentials are compromised.
• Introduction of Malicious Software: VPNs extend the network to remote users, making it possible for malware on a user’s device to infiltrate the operational technology (OT) network.
• Operational Overhead: VPNs require rigorous configuration and management to ensure security, which can be challenging without dedicated IT staff.
• Delayed Vendor Connectivity: VPN access is often maintained by separate entities within an organization, causing delays and inefficiencies in providing remote access to vendors.

The Challenges of Using RDP and Jump Servers

What is RDP?

Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) allows users to take control of a computer remotely. In industrial networks, jump servers (or jump boxes) are often used in conjunction with RDP to control access.

Key Issues with RDP and Jump Servers:

• Security Vulnerabilities: RDP has been a target for hackers, with attacks increasing significantly. If a jump server is compromised, it can provide attackers with access to sensitive data and the ability to launch further attacks.
• Complex Management: Managing jump servers involves maintaining additional assets, which increases complexity and operational costs.
• Limited Control: While jump servers solve some security challenges, they do not fully address the need for granular control over user actions once access is granted.

The Zero-Trust Approach

What is Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA)?

Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is a security model that operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” It provides access to specific applications based on user identity and context, rather than granting broad network access.

Key Benefits of ZTNA:

• Granular Access Control: ZTNA ensures that users only have access to the applications they need, reducing the risk of lateral movement within the network.
• Improved Security: By continuously verifying users and their devices, ZTNA mitigates risks such as credential theft and malware spread.
• Reduced Operational Overhead: ZTNA simplifies access management and reduces the need for complex VPN configurations and maintenance.

Understanding the Cloud/Agent Architecture

The cloud/agent architecture is central to the functionality of modern zero-trust solutions. This architecture creates a secure and efficient way to manage remote access without the drawbacks of traditional VPNs or RDP setups.

Cloud/Agent Architecture Explained

1. Agent Deployment:

• Installation: A lightweight agent is installed on each endpoint device that requires access to the network. This agent handles all communication between the device and the cloud.
• Configuration: The agent is configured with the necessary security policies and access controls specific to the user’s role and device type.

2. Cloud-Based Management:

• Centralized Control: The cloud component of the architecture acts as the central management console, overseeing all access requests, policy enforcement, and monitoring activities.
• Real-Time Verification: The cloud continuously verifies the identity of users and the health of their devices before granting access. This real-time verification ensures that only authorized and compliant devices can connect.

3. Secure Tunnel Creation:

• Direct Access: Instead of providing access to the entire network, the cloud/agent architecture establishes a secure tunnel that connects the user directly to the specific application or resource they need.
• Encryption: All data transmitted through this tunnel is encrypted, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure during transit.
• Isolation: By isolating access to individual applications, the risk of lateral movement within the network is minimized, even if a user’s credentials are compromised.

4. Dynamic Policy Enforcement:

• Adaptive Policies: Access policies are dynamically enforced based on real-time context, such as the user’s location, device security posture, and the sensitivity of the requested resource.
• Automated Adjustments: The system automatically adjusts access permissions as needed, ensuring that users always have the appropriate level of access without manual intervention.

Benefits of the Cloud/Agent Architecture

• Enhanced Security: Continuous verification and encrypted tunnels provide robust protection against unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Simplified Management: Centralized cloud management reduces the complexity of administering remote access policies, making it easier for teams without dedicated IT staff to maintain secure operations.
• Scalability: The cloud-based approach easily scales to accommodate growing networks and additional endpoints without significant infrastructure changes.
• Improved Performance: Direct, secure connections to applications reduce latency and improve the overall performance of remote access sessions.

Summary

In the face of increasing cyber threats and the need for efficient remote access, zero-trust solutions are becoming the new norm for industrial operations. Traditional VPNs and RDP solutions, with their inherent vulnerabilities and management complexities, are no longer sufficient. The cloud/agent architecture of modern zero-trust solutions offers a superior alternative, providing enhanced security, simplified management, and greater scalability.

By adopting a zero-trust approach, industrial organizations can ensure secure and efficient remote access for their maintenance and engineering teams. This not only protects critical infrastructure from potential threats but also optimizes operational performance. Embracing zero-trust network access is not just a trend but a necessity in today’s industrial landscape.