Corsha & Dragos: Strengthening Industrial Networks with Zero Trust

In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, safeguarding critical infrastructure is paramount. Industrial control systems (ICS) and operational technology (OT) networks are increasingly targeted by sophisticated threats, demanding robust defense strategies. A significant advancement in this area comes from the partnership between Corsha and Dragos, aiming to bolster zero trust principles within these sensitive environments.

The Imperative for Zero Trust in Industrial Networks

Traditional perimeter-based security models are no longer sufficient for the complex and interconnected nature of industrial networks. The “assume breach” mentality of zero trust, where every access request is verified, is crucial for protecting against insider threats and advanced persistent threats (APTs) that can bypass traditional defenses. This approach minimizes the attack surface and limits the lateral movement of adversaries.

Understanding the Partnership’s Core

The collaboration between Corsha and Dragos is built on a foundation of complementary strengths. Dragos brings unparalleled visibility into ICS and OT networks, enabling the detection of anomalies and specific threats that are unique to industrial environments. Corsha, on the other hand, provides identity-driven microsegmentation capabilities, effectively enforcing granular access controls.

Dragos: Unrivaled Visibility for Industrial Networks

Dragos has established itself as a leader in industrial cybersecurity by offering deep insights into OT environments. Their platform excels at:

• Discovering all assets within OT networks.
• Understanding normal operational behavior.
• Detecting deviations that could indicate malicious activity or system malfunctions.
• Providing context-aware threat intelligence specific to industrial sectors.

This comprehensive visibility is the bedrock upon which effective security policies are built. Without knowing what is on the network and how it operates, it’s impossible to secure it effectively.

Corsha: Identity-Driven Microsegmentation

Corsha’s contribution focuses on enforcing strict access controls through microsegmentation. This means dividing the network into smaller, isolated zones, with each zone having its own security policies. Corsha’s approach leverages identity, ensuring that only authorized users and devices can access specific resources. This is particularly vital for industrial networks where operational continuity and safety are critical.

How the Synergy Enhances Security

The integration of Dragos’s visibility with Corsha’s microsegmentation creates a powerful defense-in-depth strategy. Here’s how it works:

1. Visibility: Dragos identifies and profiles all devices and traffic flows within the industrial network.
2. Policy Definition: Based on this visibility, granular access policies are defined, specifying who or what can communicate with which assets.
3. Enforcement: Corsha’s identity-driven microsegmentation enforces these policies, preventing unauthorized access and limiting the blast radius of any potential breach.
4. Continuous Monitoring: Dragos continues to monitor for anomalies and threats, feeding this information back into the system to adapt and refine security policies.

This continuous loop of visibility, policy enforcement, and monitoring is the essence of a strong zero trust architecture for industrial networks.

Benefits for Industrial Cybersecurity

The implications of this partnership are far-reaching for organizations operating critical infrastructure. Key benefits include:

• Reduced Attack Surface: Microsegmentation significantly shrinks the potential entry points for attackers.
• Enhanced Threat Detection: Specialized OT visibility allows for earlier detection of sophisticated threats.
• Improved Operational Resilience: By isolating critical systems, the impact of a security incident is minimized, ensuring operational continuity.
• Streamlined Compliance: A robust zero trust framework aids in meeting stringent regulatory requirements for industrial cybersecurity.

A Look Ahead

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the need for advanced security solutions in industrial networks will only grow. Partnerships like the one between Corsha and Dragos are essential for providing the comprehensive protection that these vital systems require. For more information on securing OT environments, explore resources from organizations like the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Conclusion: A Strengthened Defense for Critical Infrastructure

The collaboration between Corsha and Dragos represents a significant step forward in fortifying industrial networks against modern cyber threats. By combining deep OT visibility with identity-driven microsegmentation, they are enabling organizations to implement a more effective and resilient zero trust security posture. This proactive approach is vital for protecting the systems that underpin our daily lives and economies.