Fortinet OT Security Platform: As cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure continue to escalate, Fortinet , a global leader in cybersecurity, has unveiled significant enhancements to its Operational Technology (OT) Security Platform . These updates aim to provide deeper visibility, robust segmentation, and advanced security operations (SecOps) tools, ensuring comprehensive protection for industries like energy, transportation, and manufacturing.
Enhanced Visibility and Threat Detection
The latest upgrades introduce an improved FortiGuard OT Security Service , now capable of detecting threats across 3,300 OT protocol rules , 750 OT intrusion prevention system (IPS) rules , and 1,500 virtual patching rules . This expanded capability allows organizations to identify and mitigate risks specific to OT environments more effectively.
Additionally, Fortinet has integrated new OT protocol support into FortiNDR Cloud for proactive threat hunting. The on-premises version of FortiNDR now features a Purdue Model view and an updated device inventory system aligned with the Mitre ATT&CK ICS Matrix , providing security teams with clearer insights into potential vulnerabilities.
Ruggedized Solutions for Industrial Environments
To address the unique demands of industrial settings, Fortinet has launched several ruggedized hardware solutions. The new FortiGate Rugged next-generation firewalls (NGFWs) and FortiSwitch Rugged 108F and 112F-POE industrial-grade switches are designed to prevent unauthorized lateral movement within OT networks, ensuring secure connectivity even in harsh conditions.
For remote industrial sites, Fortinet introduced two ruggedized 5G solutions: the FortiExtender Rugged 511G , an IP67-rated wireless WAN gateway, and the FortiExtender Vehicle 511G , an IP64-rated router tailored for fleet vehicles. Equipped with embedded Wi-Fi 6 and eSIM capabilities , these devices deliver high-speed, secure connectivity while simplifying carrier selection.
AI-Driven Security Operations and Compliance
Fortinet’s commitment to innovation extends to its AI-driven security operations. Updates to FortiAnalyzer 7.6 and FortiDeceptor 6.1 enable deeper insights into security threats and streamline compliance reporting. These tools empower organizations to meet regulatory requirements while automating threat response processes, reducing manual workload for security teams.
Wolfgang Bitomsky, Ph.D., CIO of FCC Environment CEE, highlighted the operational benefits: “The enhanced network performance, combined with streamlined management, has reduced our security team’s workload by at least 15% . This allows us to focus on digital transformation efforts, including zero trust and IT/OT convergence—with Fortinet as a trusted partner.”
Chris Lubinski, Network Security Engineer at Alleima, echoed this sentiment: “Our response time for support tickets is now ten times faster , and connections are significantly more stable. Everyone at Alleima is much happier with the security infrastructure we now have.”
Industry Recognition and Strategic Partnerships
Fortinet’s OT Security Platform has garnered widespread recognition, including being named the sole leader in the 2023 Westlands Advisory IT/OT Network Protection Platforms Navigator™ . This accolade underscores Fortinet’s leadership in securing critical infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.
Manish Goyal, General Manager of Honeywell Connected Cybersecurity, praised the collaboration between Fortinet and Honeywell: “Together, Fortinet and Honeywell strengthen cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. As cyberthreats intensify, industrial and commercial building operators need integrated, end-to-end protection. Our collaboration enhances Honeywell’s cybersecurity offerings, providing strategic advantages in securing and managing risk for remote and on-campus sites.”
Upcoming OT Security Summit
To further support industry professionals, Fortinet is hosting the OT Security Summit on March 12 . This event will feature insights from Fortinet’s cybersecurity experts, industry leaders, and guest speakers from leading industrial automation organizations. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge on securing legacy systems, enabling remote access, and enhancing OT SecOps capabilities.
A Unified Approach to OT Security
Nirav Shah, Senior Vice President of Products and Solutions at Fortinet, emphasized the company’s dedication to OT security innovation: “As cyberthreats against critical infrastructure grow, Fortinet remains committed to delivering comprehensive security solutions tailored for OT environments. These enhancements provide organizations with the tools they need to improve their security posture and comply with regulatory requirements—all within a single, unified platform.”
With its expanded capabilities, ruggedized hardware, and AI-driven tools, Fortinet’s OT Security Platform is poised to set new standards for protecting critical infrastructure. By addressing the unique challenges of industrial environments, Fortinet continues to lead the charge in safeguarding the backbone of modern economies.
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