The rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) devices has revolutionised industries, enhancing innovation, efficiency, and automation. However, with the increasing adoption of these devices, security challenges have become more pronounced. Traditional IT security methods often prove insufficient in protecting these assets, leaving them vulnerable to various cyber threats. Recognising this, CyberArk, a leading identity security company, has partnered with Device Authority, a specialist in IoT security, to enhance the security of IoT and OT devices. This partnership focuses on extending privileged access credentials to these devices, providing comprehensive protection for vital systems.
IoT and OT devices play a crucial role in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These devices manage critical data, control key processes, and often operate in environments where downtime is unacceptable. Despite their importance, they are frequently targeted by cybercriminals due to their widespread use and insufficient built-in security. A breach in these systems could lead to serious consequences, including operational disruptions, financial losses, safety issues, and regulatory violations.
A major challenge with IoT and OT devices is securing privileged access. Privileged credentials grant elevated permissions to users or systems and are highly valuable to attackers. If these credentials are compromised, they could provide unauthorised access to key systems, allowing cybercriminals to manipulate operations, steal sensitive information, or launch additional attacks. As IoT and OT environments become more interconnected, it is essential to implement strong identity and access management solutions to secure these devices.
The partnership between CyberArk and Device Authority signifies a major step forward in safeguarding IoT and OT environments. By leveraging their respective strengths, the two companies have created an integration that enhances CyberArk’s privileged access management capabilities, extending them to IoT and OT devices. This integration ensures that these critical assets are protected from unauthorised access and potential cyberattacks.
Historically, IT and OT environments have been managed separately, with distinct security protocols. This collaboration bridges the gap between the two areas by integrating identity security solutions with IoT and OT security technologies. The result is a more unified approach to managing privileged access across an organisation’s entire infrastructure, from traditional IT systems to OT networks.
This partnership also allows organisations to extend their existing privileged access management (PAM) solutions to IoT and OT devices. The same rigorous security measures that apply to IT environments can now be used to safeguard these devices. Centralised management of privileged credentials ensures that only authorised users or systems can access critical devices, reducing the risk of credential theft and misuse, which are common threats in IoT and OT settings.
One key advantage of this partnership is the increased visibility it offers into IoT and OT environments. The integrated solution enables real-time monitoring of privileged access, providing organisations with valuable insights into user activity and potential security risks. This level of visibility is essential for identifying and addressing security incidents before they cause significant damage.
In highly regulated industries, adhering to strict security standards and regulations is crucial. The combined solution from CyberArk and Device Authority helps organisations meet these requirements by ensuring that privileged access to IoT and OT devices is well-managed, monitored, and documented. This not only strengthens an organisation’s overall security but also simplifies regulatory compliance efforts.
The partnership between CyberArk and Device Authority is a key development in IoT and OT security. By extending privileged access credentials to these critical devices, organisations can better protect their assets, reduce exposure to cyber threats, and maintain the smooth and safe operation of their systems. As IoT and OT environments continue to evolve, the demand for advanced security solutions will only grow. This collaboration sets a new benchmark for securing these environments, giving organisations the tools they need to stay ahead of emerging threats.
This partnership is more than just extending access credentials—it is about securing the future of technology and industry. With the combined efforts of companies like CyberArk, Device Authority, and key players like Microsoft, the digital world is becoming a safer place, allowing industries to harness the full benefits of IoT and OT without compromising security.
Tern plc (LON:TERN) backs exciting, high growth IoT innovators in Europe. They provide support and create a genuinely collaborative environment for talented, well-motivated teams. Device Authority is focused on securing connected device ecosystems and is recognized as the global leader in Device Identity Lifecycle Management and Identity and Access Management (IAM) for the Internet of Things (IoT).
