A leading global natural gas producer recently faced a significant challenge: how to transfer real-time OPC DA/AE data from their OT network to their IT network without compromising the security of their OT infrastructure. The solution they found was OPSWAT's MetaDefender Unidirectional Security Gateway, a best-in-class cybersecurity solution that ensures secure and reliable data transfer.
Understanding OPC DA/AE
OPC (Open Platform Communications) DA/AE is a series of standards and specifications for industrial telecommunication. OPC DA (Data Access) is used for real-time data access, allowing various devices and applications to communicate seamlessly. OPC AE (Alarms and Events) focuses on the transmission of alarm and event data, ensuring timely and accurate communication of critical occurrences within industrial systems. These standards are vital for maintaining operational efficiency and safety in industrial environments.
The Importance of Secure Data Transfer from OT to IT
Transferring real-time OPC DA/AE data from OT to IT is crucial for several reasons:
- Safety and Compliance: Accurate transmission of alarms and events is essential for maintaining safety standards and regulatory compliance. Any delay or corruption of this data can have serious consequences.
- Operational Efficiency: Real-time data transfer allows IT systems to analyze and optimize industrial processes, leading to improved operational efficiency and reduced downtime.
- Business Intelligence: Integrating OT data into IT systems enables better decision-making through advanced analytics, predictive maintenance, and other business intelligence tools.
However, this transfer of OPC data must be done securely. The liquid natural gas producer understood that compromising OT infrastructure during data transfer could lead to company-wide outcomes, including:
- Operational Disruptions: Unauthorized access or malware in the OT network can cause significant disruptions to industrial operations, leading to production losses and safety hazards.
- Data Integrity Risks: Compromised data integrity can result in inaccurate information being used for critical decision-making, potentially causing equipment failures or unsafe conditions.
- Cybersecurity Threats: OT systems are often more vulnerable to cyberattacks due to their legacy nature and lack of regular updates. Breaches can lead to intellectual property theft, sabotage, or even attacks on critical infrastructure.
The Uncompromising Security of MetaDefender Unidirectional Security Gateway
OPSWAT's MetaDefender Unidirectional Security Gateway provides a reliable solution to this challenge through its one-way data transfer and non-routable protocol break. Here’s why it’s the ideal solution:
One-Way Transfer
The gateway ensures that data flows only in one direction—from the OT network to the IT network—while providing assured data delivery.
Non-Routable Protocol Break
This feature creates a secure boundary, ensuring that the IT network cannot directly communicate with the OT network. This isolation is crucial for preventing cyber threats from propagating between networks.
Native OPC Support
MetaDefender Unidirectional Security Gateway natively supports OPC DA/AE standards. The MetaDefender OPC Connector acts as an OPC Client on the OT network and an OPC Server on the IT network, facilitating seamless and secure data transfer.
Real-Time Data Transfer
The solution allows real-time transfer of OPC values and alarms/events, ensuring that the IT systems receive up-to-date information without delay.
For the liquid natural gas producer, OPSWAT’s MetaDefender Unidirectional Security Gateway was the perfect choice to secure their critical infrastructure. By ensuring safe and efficient real-time data transfer from OT to IT, they can maintain operational integrity, elevate safety, and leverage business intelligence without compromising security. As industries continue to digitize, the defense-in-depth solutions found in the MetaDefender Platform are essential for bridging the gap between OT and IT securely.
Discover how OPSWAT solutions can ensure your critical environment stays secure—talk to an expert today to get started.
