In today’s increasingly complex digital landscape, securing critical infrastructure is paramount. Industrial networks, the backbone of many essential services, face unique and evolving threats. This is where the groundbreaking collaboration between Corsha and Dragos steps in, aiming to redefine zero trust principles for Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS). Their partnership promises a robust, layered defense strategy by combining deep network visibility with granular identity-driven access control.

Fortifying Industrial Networks with Zero Trust

The traditional perimeter-based security models are no longer sufficient for the interconnected world of industrial environments. Zero trust, a security framework that operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” offers a more resilient approach. This means that no user or device, whether inside or outside the network, is implicitly trusted. Every access request must be authenticated and authorized before being granted.

The challenge in industrial networks lies in their often legacy systems, specialized protocols, and the critical nature of their operations. Downtime is not an option, and introducing security measures that disrupt operations is a non-starter. The Corsha and Dragos alliance directly addresses these complexities.

Deep Visibility: The First Line of Defense

Dragos brings its unparalleled expertise in industrial cybersecurity to the table, offering deep visibility into ICS and OT networks. This capability is crucial for understanding what is happening across these complex systems. By continuously monitoring network traffic and device behavior, Dragos can detect anomalies that might indicate a compromise or an impending threat.

• Real-time monitoring of industrial protocols.
• Identification of rogue devices and unauthorized changes.
• Threat intelligence specifically tailored for OT environments.

Identity-Driven Microsegmentation: Granular Control

Complementing Dragos’s visibility, Corsha introduces its advanced identity-driven microsegmentation capabilities. This technology allows for the creation of highly specific security zones within the industrial network. Instead of broad network access, devices and applications are granted access only to the specific resources they need to perform their functions, based on verified identities.

This approach significantly limits the lateral movement of threats. If one segment is compromised, the damage is contained, preventing attackers from easily accessing other critical systems. This is particularly vital in industrial settings where a breach in one area could have cascading catastrophic effects.

Synergistic Security for Industrial Networks

The power of this partnership lies in the synergy between visibility and control. Dragos identifies potential threats and unusual activities, providing the context. Corsha then uses this context, combined with identity verification, to enforce granular policies and isolate threats or suspicious activity.

Consider an industrial process control system. Dragos might detect an unusual command being sent to a specific PLC. Instead of relying on network firewalls alone, Corsha can verify the identity of the source attempting to send the command. If the identity is not authorized or the command deviates from normal operational parameters, Corsha can block the communication, preventing a potential disruption or sabotage.

Key Benefits of the Corsha and Dragos Partnership

This collaboration offers a multi-faceted approach to securing industrial networks:

1. Enhanced Threat Detection: Dragos’s deep insights enable earlier and more accurate identification of threats targeting OT/ICS environments.
2. Reduced Attack Surface: Corsha’s microsegmentation minimizes the pathways an attacker can exploit.
3. Improved Compliance: Granular access controls and auditable logs help meet stringent regulatory requirements.
4. Operational Resilience: By containing threats and ensuring only authorized access, operational continuity is better protected.
5. Simplified Security Management: Integrated solutions streamline the complexities of securing diverse industrial environments.

The industrial sector, from manufacturing to energy to transportation, relies heavily on the uninterrupted and secure operation of its networks. The integration of Dragos’s specialized OT/ICS threat detection with Corsha’s robust identity-driven microsegmentation framework represents a significant leap forward in achieving true zero trust for these critical assets. This is not just about preventing cyberattacks; it’s about ensuring the safety, reliability, and continued operation of the systems that power our modern world.

For more insights into securing operational technology, explore resources from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Additionally, understanding the evolving threat landscape is crucial, and organizations like the SANS ICS Security provide valuable information and training.