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:

Want effective Attack Surface Management? Think like an attacker.
Information Security
Effective ASM requires companies to think like attackers, anticipate risks, and act decisively to reduce exposure by knowing their environment, deploying a structured approach, leveraging capable tools, and addressing both internal and external risks.

Read more...
The growing role of hybrid backup
Infrastructure Information Security
As Africa’s digital economy rapidly grows, businesses across the continent are facing the challenge of securing data in an environment characterised by evolving cyberthreats, unreliable connectivity and diverse regulatory frameworks.

Read more...
POPIA non-compliance puts municipalities at risk
Information Security Government and Parastatal (Industry)
Digital responsibility must go beyond POPIA compliance to recognising that privacy and service delivery are fundamentally linked. Despite this, only 51 out of 257 municipalities submitted their mandatory data protection and access to information reports in 2024.

Read more...
Choicejacking bypasses smartphone charging security
News & Events Information Security
Choicejacking is a new cyberthreat that bypasses smartphone charging security defences to confirm, without the victim’s input or consent, that the victim wishes to connect in data-transfer mode.

Read more...
Most wanted malware
News & Events Information Security
Check Point Software Technologies unveiled its Global Threat Index for June 2025, highlighting a surge in new and evolving threats. Eight African countries are among the most targeted as malware leaders AsyncRAT and FakeUpdates expand.

Read more...
Welcome to the new cyber battleground
Information Security
The Iran-Israel conflict is rapidly redefining modern warfare, pushing the boundaries of cyber capabilities and creating a new, borderless digital battlefield. Fortinet’s CISO, Dr Carl Windsor, offers a critical, in-depth analysis of the escalating tactics and global implications in his latest report.

Read more...
African industries may overestimate cyber defences
Information Security
] A significant perception gap exists in security awareness training: 68% of leaders believe training is tailored to roles, yet only a third of employees feel adequately trained. Many organisations only conduct annual or biannual generic training that may not effectively change behaviour.

Read more...
SMARTpod talks to Sophos and Phishield
SMART Security Solutions Technews Publishing Sophos Videos Information Security News & Events
SMARTpod recently spoke with Pieter Nel, Sales Director for SADC at Sophos, and Sarel Lamprecht, MD at Phishield, about ransomware and their new cyber insurance partnership.

Read more...
Cybersecurity and insurance partnership for sub-Saharan Africa
Sophos News & Events Information Security Security Services & Risk Management
Sophos and Phishield Announce first-of-its-kind cybersecurity and insurance partnership for sub-Saharan Africa. The SMARTpod podcast, discussing the deal and the state of ransomware in South Africa and globally, is now also available.

Read more...
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...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.