Netskope urges shift from VPNs to secure access for OT and IIoT

The latest blog post emphasizes the inadequacies of traditional VPNs in today’s Operational technology (OT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) (IIOT) environments, advocating for a shift toward zero trust network access.

VPN Limitations in Modern Environments

Modern industrial environments have transitioned from isolated systems to interconnected networks, linking various devices and applications. This advancement brings substantial benefits but also increases vulnerability to cyber threats.

Traditional VPNs are not suited to handle the complexities of these environments, offering broad access without sufficient visibility, ultimately making them targets for cyberattacks. A notable statistic shows that 45% of cyber exploits in 2024 were directed at VPNs.

Need for Enhanced Access Control Solutions

As cyber threats evolve, relying on outdated access methods presents risks to operations and safety. Modern security strategies need to employ access controls that align with contemporary threats.

Zero trust principles, combined with zero trust network access (Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA)), provide a framework for more secure interactions, ensuring that connections are only established based on verified identity and risk parameters.

Netskope One Private Access Features

Netskope One Private Access offers Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA) tailored for OT environments, enabling secure access to critical systems without exposing broader networks. The platform delivers features such as role-based access, continuous adaptive security, and high performance.

Granular access control is enforced by evaluating multiple criteria like user identity and device risk. Continuous monitoring and Machine Learning (ML) help quickly adjust access based on user behavior and detected risks.

Focus on Performance and Compliance

With Netskope's infrastructure, organizations gain consistent low-latency access while ensuring compliance with industry regulations. The system supports uninterrupted operations with centralized visibility and control.

This ensures that organizations can meet necessary standards while maintaining operational efficiency.

Conclusion

The blog underscores the importance of modernizing access to OT and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems, highlighting Netskope One Private Access as a potential solution to enhance security, visibility, and performance across industrial networks. This summary reflects a timely, fact-based overview of the original blog post.