Advantech and Xage Security Collaborate on Cyber Hardening Solution for Critical Infrastructure Operations

Summary

Sept. 27, 2022 - Cincinnati, Ohio - Advantech, leading provider of industrial Internet of Things (IoT) and automation technology, and Xage Security, leader in zero trust real-world security, today announced a new partnership to support zero trust adoption in critical infrastructure. Xage’s underlying technology, the Xage Fabric, seamlessly overlays every element of an operation, offering zero trust with defense-in-depth for mission-critical industries, such as energy, defense, utilities, transportation and manufacturing.

Existing security technologies, including firewalls and VPNs, are not sufficient to secure complex environments and protect against growing threats. Gartner predicts by 2025, 45% of global organizations will have experienced attacks on software supply chains, a three-fold increase from 2021. In mission-critical operations—which frequently utilize legacy technologies or cyber-physical systems with varying security controls—customary security technologies are often inflexible and lack scalability. Attackers often exploit basic remote access solutions as key entry points to carry out ransomware and advanced attacks that disrupt operations.

Additionally, operators are working to meet new and evolving government cybersecurity mandates, all without affecting overall productivity. For example, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently issued updates to its Pipeline Security directive, which reflect core zero trust principles, including granular access control, least privilege, separation of duties, and credential management. Operators are also required to submit implementation plans within 90 days, a substantial undertaking for cybersecurity leaders already under pressure from increased attacks and a growing talent gap.

By adopting a zero trust approach, organizations can reduce the cyber-attack surface and protect against advanced threats, while also accelerating digital transformation and new business initiatives. Xage’s identity-based model secures assets and applications across both OT and multi-layer OT/IT environments. Xage was recently recognized in Gartner’s 2022 Innovation Insight for Cyber-Physical Systems Protection Platforms report, as well as in the firm’s 2022 Market Guide for Operational Technology Security.

“It’s more important than ever for critical infrastructure operators to reduce their cyber-attack surface and protect against advanced threats,” said Roman Arutyunov, co-founder and VP of Products at Xage. “The Xage Fabric accomplishes this without having to rip-and-replace equipment and delivers zero trust with defense-in-depth. With years of industry experience, Advantech’s domain-focused hardware will complement the Xage Fabric to protect mission-critical operations.”

Featured Advantech devices compatible with Xage Security include the FWA-1211 industrial cybersecurity appliance, with Intel Atom™ processing and LAN-bypass capabilities, and the UNO-2271G-V2 small formfactor industrial edge IoT gateway, which runs the latest Intel CPU technology. Advantech’s FWA-1211 appliances and UNO edge gateways provide reliable, cost-effective hardware in ruggedized form factors, delivering optimal efficiency and flexibility in edge infrastructure.

“Security is always a top concern for customers who deal with sensitive data, and need to control and monitor complex operations,” said Carolyn Swan, director of IoT Partnerships, Advantech IIoT Group. “It gets even more complicated when systems and networks are distributed across various locations and sub-locations. With Advantech’s vast industry experience and edge IoT solutions designed to meet specific requirements and certifications, a partnership with Xage Security offers streamlined zero trust security protection.”

Main features of the FWA-1211 cybersecurity appliance includes the following:

• Intel Atom x5-E3940 / x3-E3930 Processor
• 1 x DDR3L 1600/1867MHz SODIMM, up to 4GB
• 1 x GbE Copper Management port
• 4 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Copper ports with 2 segments of LAN bypass
• 2 x 10/100/1000 Mbps SFP ports
• 1 x 2.5" SATA SSD bay; 1 x mSATA slot
• Wide operating temperature with IP40 rating
• Dual power input: 9~36V

Main features of the UNO-2271G-V2 gateway include the following:

• Intel Celeron Dual core N6210/ Intel Pentium Quad core N6415 processor with 4GB/8GB DDR4 onboard memory
• Compact, robust, fan-less, and cable-free system with high stability
• Wide operating temperature of -4°F ~ 140°F in industrial environments
• Modular design offers optimized basic unit with 2 x GbE, 2 x USB 3.2 Gen1, 1 x HDMI 1.4
• Optional second stack for increased functionality including PoE, COM, wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LTE), or more than 20 additional I/O options via Advantech iDoor expansions
• Built-in TPM2.0 for hardware-based security

As cybersecurity evolves from static, network-based perimeters, organizations must also evolve with a zero trust protection methodology based on user, asset and data stream identities. The growing Advantech and Xage Security partnership will significantly simplify these necessary enhancements.

Key benefits of the Xage Fabric include:

• Identity and Access Management (IAM with Universal Remote and Local Access Control)
• Single Sign-On and IAM Federation
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
• Secure Zero Trust Remote Access to OT Environments
• Machine-to-Machine Access Control
• Dynamic Data Security (for dynamic and controlled data sharing with Tamper Proof Authenticity, Integrity, and Privacy)
• Compliance with Government Mandates
• Reduced Costs and Complexities (to improve productivity and accelerate digital transformation) For more information on the combined Advantech and Xage solution for modernized security, contact your Advantech or Xage representative.