Published 10/14/2021

Siemens and Zscaler Partner on Operations Security System

Using a Zero Trust system, users can remotely manage and control quality assurance or diagnoses issues. This system protects the operational technology network from cybersecurity threats.

Edited by: Chris Pasion

Managing Editor, Modern Machine Shop | Production Machining

Photo Credit: Siemens and Zscaler Inc.

Siemens and Zscaler Inc., a leader in cloud security, are
partnering to enable customers to securely access operational technology (OT) systems and applications in the production network from the workplace — whether in the office or working remote. These new capabilities enable users to remotely manage and control quality assurance or diagnoses issues.

To ensure that the OT network is not exposed to any increased threat potential, Siemens and Zscaler use a Zero Trust Architecture. Zero Trust only authorizes application-specific access based on verified user identity and context. In combination with the existing OT security mechanisms, such as cell protection firewalls, this enables implementation of a granular access concept. In addition, the companies say that production requirements for availability and real-time capabilities continue to be met.

The system installed via the app connector for the cloud-based remote access service Zscaler Private Access (ZPA) on a Docker container in the Siemens Scalance LPE local processing platform, which creates an access solution for industrial environments. Centralized management in the Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange cloud platform and the use of outbound connections reportedly facilitates more restrictive configuration of existing firewall rules, and reduces operating costs for administration and monitoring. Existing legacy systems can also be easily retrofitted with the Zero Trust Exchange solution. This offering is now available to customers through Zscaler and Siemens.

Hanna Hennig, information technology CIO at Siemens, explains, “By combining our communication technology with Zscaler technology, we can bring IT's Zero Trust approach directly into the OT environment.”

Deepak Patel, OT security officer at Zscaler, adds, “Together, Siemens and Zscaler are now bringing the benefits of Zero Trust to OT environments, thereby increasing control and protection mechanisms for all technology assets, including in production environments.”