In the rapidly evolving landscape of Industry 4.0, the integration of private 5G networks has become a cornerstone for operational efficiency and innovation. However, this integration brings forth significant security challenges, particularly in maintaining the delicate balance between IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) systems. Celona, a pioneer in private 5G networks, has introduced Aerloc, a comprehensive suite of ‘zero-trust’ security features designed to address these challenges head-on. This article delves into how Aerloc enhances security for industrial 5G networks, ensuring robust protection without compromising operational agility.
Unified SIM-Based Authentication
One of the standout features of Aerloc is its unified SIM-based authentication system. This innovative approach eliminates the need for device-side IoT software or agents, streamlining the authentication process for both IT and OT devices. By leveraging common SIM authentication, Aerloc ensures that all devices connected to the private 5G network are securely authenticated, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
This unified authentication system integrates seamlessly with existing security infrastructure, including firewalls, network access control (NAC) systems, and SD-WAN solutions. Compatibility with leading providers such as Palo Alto Networks, Cisco, and Aruba further enhances its appeal, offering a robust and flexible solution for industrial environments. The integration via APIs ensures that security policies are consistently enforced across all devices, maintaining a high level of security without adding complexity.
The ability to use a single authentication method reduces the management overhead involved in securing a diverse array of devices, each of which might have different security requirements. Furthermore, by reducing reliance on device-side software, Aerloc addresses one of the main vulnerabilities in IoT deployments: the potential for software flaws or misconfigurations to be exploited. This approach not only consolidates security protocols but also simplifies the task of managing and updating security policies across the board, thereby enhancing the overall robustness of the network infrastructure.
Dynamic and Distributed Policy Enforcement
Aerloc’s dynamic and distributed policy enforcement feature is another critical component that enhances security for industrial 5G networks. This feature allows for localized policy enforcement at the edge, providing granular control over individual devices and users. By collaborating with various security assessment tools and orchestration platforms, Aerloc ensures that security policies are dynamically adjusted based on real-time assessments, mitigating potential threats before they can cause harm.
The ability to enforce policies at the edge is particularly beneficial in industrial environments where latency and reliability are paramount. By ensuring that security measures are applied as close to the source as possible, Aerloc minimizes the risk of data breaches and enhances the overall security posture of the network. This approach also allows for more efficient use of network resources, as policies are enforced only where necessary, reducing the burden on central security systems.
This localized enforcement strategy allows for a more agile response to emerging threats, ensuring that the network remains protected even as security landscapes evolve. By working in conjunction with orchestration platforms, Aerloc can adjust policies to address new vulnerabilities or attacks, offering an adaptive security framework that can scale with the demands of industrial operations. Additionally, the integration with popular security tools means that administrators can leverage existing investments in security infrastructure, making Aerloc both a cost-effective and powerful solution for securing private 5G networks.
Maintaining IT/OT Air-Gapping
One of the most significant challenges in industrial environments is maintaining the separation between IT and OT networks. This separation, known as air-gapping, is crucial for ensuring that operational systems remain secure and isolated from potential threats originating from IT networks. Aerloc addresses this challenge through its proprietary ‘micro-slicing’ technology, which allows for the secure segmentation of IT and OT traffic on the same private 5G network.
Micro-slicing ensures both physical and logical separation of IT and OT traffic, maintaining the integrity and security of critical operational data. This technology enables organizations to leverage the same 5G infrastructure for both IT and OT operations without compromising security. By maintaining strict separation over the air, on the LAN, and within the shared 5G LAN network, Aerloc provides a robust solution for industrial environments where the convergence of IT and OT is essential for operational efficiency.
This separation is crucial because it limits the potential for IT-originated threats to impact OT systems, which are often responsible for critical industrial processes. By ensuring that these systems can operate independently of one another, Aerloc not only enhances security but also increases the reliability and uptime of crucial operations. Additionally, because micro-slicing allows for the utilization of a shared 5G network infrastructure, organizations can achieve these security benefits without the need for significant additional investment in separate network solutions, thereby improving both security and cost-efficiency.
Industry Endorsements and Real-World Applications
The effectiveness of Aerloc’s security features is underscored by endorsements from prominent industry players. Stefan Garrard, a principal enterprise technology engineer at BP, highlighted the importance of Celona’s robust and reliable network infrastructure in their industrial operations. He emphasized that the ability to securely leverage the same private 5G infrastructure for both IT and OT boosts operational integrity and drives innovation.
Similarly, Jeremy Nelson, chief information and security officer for Insight in North America, acknowledged Aerloc as a crucial solution for bridging the IT and OT gap. He recognized Celona’s advanced private 5G solution as extending zero trust to vital areas, keeping their cybersecurity strategies ahead of emerging threats. These endorsements reflect the real-world applicability and effectiveness of Aerloc in enhancing security for industrial 5G networks.
The practical applications showcased by these endorsements illustrate the tangible benefits that Aerloc brings to industrial environments. By enhancing security without compromising performance or operational agility, Aerloc permits organizations to innovate and expand their use of 5G technologies confidently. Moreover, the adaptability and integration capabilities of Aerloc ensure that it can meet the evolving needs of industrial operations, providing a future-proof solution that can scale with the demands of Industry 4.0.
Expanding Global Partnerships
Celona’s commitment to enhancing security for industrial 5G networks is further demonstrated through its expanded global partner program. The rebranded Frequency Partner Program introduces new tiers, training, and marketing resources, aimed at helping partners capitalize on business opportunities within the growing private 5G market. The collaboration with TD SYNNEX, a global distribution deal, aims to bring in new resellers and managed service providers in global markets.
With around 150 partners globally, including well-known system integrators like NTT DATA, Capgemini, and Tech Mahindra, Celona is well-positioned to influence the future of industrial networking. The expanded partnerships in regions such as Europe, China, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and Latin America further underscore Celona’s global reach and commitment to delivering advanced private wireless solutions.
This expanded network of partners enhances Celona’s ability to support the diverse needs of industrial organizations worldwide. By collaborating with leading system integrators and managed service providers, Celona ensures that its solutions are both relevant and easily adoptable in various industrial contexts. Furthermore, the training and marketing resources provided through the Frequency Partner Program ensure that partners are well-equipped to implement and promote Celona’s innovative security solutions, driving widespread adoption and contributing to the overall advancement of industrial 5G security.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced world of Industry 4.0, the adoption of private 5G networks is key to boosting operational efficiency and fostering innovation. Yet, this adoption also introduces significant security challenges, especially in maintaining the delicate balance between Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems. Addressing these concerns, Celona, a trailblazer in private 5G networks, has launched Aerloc, a comprehensive suite of ‘zero-trust’ security features. Aerloc is explicitly designed to tackle these security challenges head-on, ensuring that industrial 5G networks are robustly protected without sacrificing operational agility. This article explores how Aerloc bolsters security in industrial 5G settings, providing reliable protection while maintaining the flexibility that modern operations demand. This approach is critical for companies looking to leverage the full potential of 5G technology while safeguarding their IT and OT systems from potential threats.
