Endpoint Security Solution

Endpoint security or endpoint protection solutions provide a centralized method for detecting and blocking unauthorized access and risky activities on the endpoint. Endpoint Security solutions typically provide:

• Whitelist: permits only pre-registered, approved applications and services to run, effectively limiting threats and having minimal to no impact on endpoint performance.
• Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware: with frequent trusted signature and engine updates
• Device authentication for removable media
• Host-based Firewall and Network Access Control, including
  - Access control on restricted ports and networks
  - Detection and blocking of network attacks launched from internal sources
  - Wi-Fi network control

Typical Solution Architecture

Endpoint Security solutions often have the following architecture:

• Client software: installed on each endpoint device.
• Security Server software: installed on a centrally managed server or gateway within the network. This includes anti-virus software, personal firewalls, and USB/removable media sanitization software.

Patch Management Solution

To correct issues, keep system features current and working smoothly, and ensure that linked endpoints are secured against the newest hacking and malware threats, software patches and upgrades are required. The sheer number and variety of Industrial Enterprise endpoints makes patching and updating a logistical nightmare once again.

Furthermore, many OT devices are simply not patchable - either because no patch exists or because the device is so vital to the process network that it cannot be taken out of service to be patched (i.e., no downtime). Patch Management Solutions assist the industrial company in bringing order to a chaotic situation.

Patch Maintenance solutions automate the entire patch process for any system that requires it, including installation, timing, verification, and management. The solution examines all security flaws as well as the software fixes that are supposed to address them. These tools assist in prioritizing and determining which patches should be implemented to address functionality or compliance issues, ensuring that the patch is appropriately installed, doing post-patch testing and verification, and managing reports.

Typical Solution Architecture

Agents are installed on target machines by the majority of automated corporate patch management technologies. The link between the centralized patch server and the computers to be patched is created and controlled by these agents. Updates can only be delivered to URLs, applications, and servers on the whitelist. Patch agents deliver server notifications, store patch software locally on the target machine before installation, start automatic retries of unsuccessful patch installations, and conduct additional functions.

Why Your Industrial Enterprise Needs This Solution

• Know the state of each IT/OT asset in terms of vulnerabilities, ISO compliance, and version numbering. All departments and systems are on the same page and have access to the same data.
• Protect each IT endpoint from data loss and exfiltration, as well as network assaults.
• Save time and money with an automated resource that simplifies and streamlines even the most complex patch management programs.
• Get accurate data to prioritize patches and close the loop on vulnerability remediation automatically.

Recommendations

• Ensure that the endpoint solution is designed for use in OT contexts. Many IT endpoint solutions may not function properly or may install backdoor updating tunnels.
• Not every asset in an industrial setting can or should be patched. Make sure you have additional defenses in place.