MetaDefender Bilateral Security Gateway

As industries increasingly integrate OT (Operational Technology) environments with IT (Information Technology) systems, or more broadly, networks with differing security classifications, the challenge of securing these interconnected infrastructures becomes more pressing. In the case of the convergence of OT and IT, it brings the potential for significant efficiencies but also exposes OT environments to a broader range of cybersecurity threats. One of the most complex challenges is ensuring secure data exchange between OT and IT systems, particularly when a data response back to OT is required. Traditional firewalls, though vital, often fall short in addressing this need, leading to security vulnerabilities and operational risks. 

OPSWAT's MetaDefender Bilateral Security Gateway, an innovative solution designed to address the unique security challenges posed by OT-IT integration, provides a secure, controlled mechanism for data exchange, ensuring that necessary data flows between OT and IT environments while maintaining security. 

The integration of OT and IT systems has made securing OT environments more critical than ever. OT environments, once isolated, are now increasingly connected to broader IT networks, exposing them to new threats like ransomware, unauthorized access, and data breaches — all of which can lead to serious ramifications including physical harm. As industries adopt more sophisticated digital systems, the need for secure, real-time data exchange between OT and IT becomes essential. However, traditional firewalls, which are bidirectional by nature, often fall short in these scenarios. They share routable information between OT and IT networks, are prone to human error and misconfiguration making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. 

In scenarios where a data response from IT back to OT is necessary, these firewall security vulnerabilities become more apparent. Traditional firewalls struggle to maintain security while enabling the required data exchange, leading to potential breaches that could compromise the integrity of the OT environment. 

Part of the larger MetaDefender NetWall family of secure data transfer solutions, MetaDefender Bilateral Security Gateway is designed to overcome the limitations of traditional firewalls by strictly enforcing unidirectional data flow over a protocol break. This approach ensures that data can be exchanged securely without exposing the OT environment to unnecessary risks. MetaDefender Bilateral Security Gateway's proprietary bilateral mechanism is particularly effective in handling data replies needed by SQL databases, industrial historians, and other critical use cases that require a data response This data exchange mechanism is implemented using proprietary hardware which eliminates the need for any type of network connection between the OT-IT environments. In addition, the bilateral security gateway on the IT side of the network has no write access to the OT appliance. 

Unlike traditional firewalls, which are prone to human error and can inadvertently expose sensitive OT assets, MetaDefender Bilateral Security Gateway provides a controlled, secure environment for data exchange. This capability is crucial for industries that need to maintain security while enabling necessary data interactions between OT and IT systems. 

One of the primary use cases for MetaDefender Bilateral Security Gateway is the secure replication of databases such as Microsoft SQL. MetaDefender Bilateral Security Gateway handles this process with precision, employing protocol breaks to prevent unauthorized access. A prime example of this application is in a large municipal water facility, where MetaDefender Bilateral Security Gateway facilitates secure database replication from high-security to lower-security domains, ensuring that critical data remains protected during transfer.

In industries like water treatment and public safety, maintaining OT security is crucial. MetaDefender Bilateral Security Gateway plays a vital role in ensuring secure updates and data retrieval into these environments. By managing the data exchange process with a focus on security, MetaDefender Bilateral Security Gateway helps organizations protect their OT assets from potential threats while ensuring that necessary updates are applied in a timely manner. 

OPSWAT's MetaDefender Bilateral Security Gateway is adaptable to various industries, offering tailored solutions to meet the specific security needs of different sectors. Whether in manufacturing, energy, water treatment, or public safety, MetaDefender Bilateral Security Gateway provides the robust security necessary to protect OT environments in an increasingly interconnected world.