Protecting ICS and SCADA systems

Issue 9 2020 Information Security

Check Point Software Technologies has announced the new 1570R rugged security gateway to protect networks in critical infrastructure, Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and scada systems against all types of advanced Gen V cyber-threats. The 1570R delivers threat prevention security technology, ease of deployment and control, and reliability to the most demanding industrial settings such as power plants, automated factories and maritime fleets.

Securing today’s critical infrastructure, ICS and scada systems against cyber-attacks is more challenging than ever before as they are connected to complex, distributed networks and smart IoT devices using specialised protocols. IBM’s ‘2020 Threat Intelligence Index’ showed that targeted attacks against ICS and scada assets increased over 2000% in 2019, often involving nation-states or using ransomware to damage operations. The ‘SANS 2019 State of OT/ICS Cybersecurity Survey’ showed that 61% of incidents disrupted operational technology (OT). This expanded attack surface, the move to Industry 4.0 automation, and the rapid shift to remote working enforced by COVID-19 lockdowns, demands the most advanced, comprehensive security to stop threats propagating from employees’ laptops and mobiles to infect OT systems.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, attacks have increased against the OT networks and ICS/scada systems that manage critical infrastructure for energy, manufacturing, transportation, and utilities. The disruption these attacks caused has made security a higher priority – but it must also be easy for organisations to deploy, with automated protection that does not impact day-to-day operations,” said Robyn Westervelt, IDC’s research director, Security & Trust. “Check Point’s ICS Security solution and 1570R gateways couple network segmentation with automation and threat intelligence to protect critical infrastructure and prevent even the most sophisticated cyber-attacks from impacting production operations.”

The new 1570R Gateway delivers:

• Industry-leading performance and protection: 400 Mbps of threat prevention performance with over 60 security services to stop even zero-day attacks from disrupting operations. It enforces complete segmentation between IT and OT networks, and gives granular control across the OT environment.

• Complete security for complex scada and ICS environments: it identifies and secures over 1500 leading scada and ICS protocols and commands used in the utility and energy sectors, manufacturing, building management systems and IoT devices. The 1570R flexibly supports wired, Wi-Fi or LTE modem network connections, enabling easy, flexible security for smart city applications (smart parking meters, bus stops, smart lighting, environmental sensors) and smart grids (smart meters, substation automation).

• Rugged form factor: the 1570R’s solid-state form factor enables an extreme operational range from-40oC to +75oC. It is certified to the most stringent specifications (IEEE 1613 and IEC 61850-3) for heat, vibration, and immunity to electromagnetic interference.

The new 1570R replaces the 1200R rugged gateway. More information is available at https://www.checkpoint.com/products/industrial-control-systems-appliances/




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Highest increase in global cyberattacks in two years
Information Security News & Events
Check Point Global Research released new data on Q2 2024 cyber-attack trends, noting a 30% global increase in Q2 2024, with Africa experiencing the highest average weekly per organisation.

Read more...
Cybersecurity a challenge in digitalising OT
Kaspersky Information Security Industrial (Industry)
According to a study by Kaspersky and VDC Research on securing operational technology environments, the primary risks are inadequate security measures, insufficient resources allocated to OT cybersecurity, challenges surrounding regulatory compliance, and the complexities of IT/OT integration.

Read more...
Cybersecurity in South Africa
Information Security
According to the Allianz Risk Barometer 2025, cyber incidents, including ransomware attacks, data breaches and IT outages, are now the top global business risk, marking their fourth year at the top.

Read more...
Are AI agents a game-changer?
Information Security
While AI-powered chatbots have been around for a while, AI agents go beyond simple assistants, functioning as self-learning digital operatives that plan, execute, and adapt in real time. These advancements do not just enhance cybercriminal tactics, they may fundamentally change the battlefield.

Read more...
Disaster recovery vs cyber recovery
Information Security
Disaster recovery centres on restoring IT operations following events like natural disasters, hardware failures or accidents, while cyber recovery is specifically tailored to address intentional cyberthreats such as ransomware and data breaches.

Read more...
Back-up securely and restore in seconds
Betatrac Telematic Solutions Editor's Choice Information Security Infrastructure
Betatrac has a solution that enables companies to back-up up to 8 TB of data onto a device and restore it in 30 seconds in an emergency, called Rapid Access Data Recovery (RADR).

Read more...
The rise of AI-powered cybercrime and defence
Information Security News & Events AI & Data Analytics
Check Point Software Technologies launched its inaugural AI Security Report, offering an in-depth exploration of how cybercriminals are weaponising artificial intelligence (AI), alongside strategic insights defenders need to stay ahead.

Read more...
The deepfake crisis is here and now
Information Security Training & Education
Deepfakes are a growing cybersecurity threat that blur the line between reality and fiction. These AI-generated synthetic media have evolved from technological curiosities to sophisticated weapons of digital deception, costing companies upwards of $600 000 each.

Read more...
What does Agentic AI mean for cybersecurity?
Information Security AI & Data Analytics
AI agents will change how we work by scheduling meetings on our behalf and even managing supply chain items. However, without adequate protection, they become soft targets for criminals.

Read more...
Phishing attacks through SVG image files
Kaspersky News & Events Information Security
Kaspersky has detected a new trend: attackers are distributing phishing emails to individual and corporate users with attachments in SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) files, a format commonly used for storing images.

Read more...