The Challenge
The major challenge for OT (Operational Technology) is the secure, efficient and compliant design of industrial networks in order to maintain the operation of critical infrastructures and industrial environments.
There are many hurdles for industrial companies:
- critical access to the OT of production facilities (directly or via VPN) poses a high security risk, as control systems etc. are not protected in the same way as IT devices (e.g. endpoint security)
- the use of OT access is often no longer legally compliant for KRITIS customers, as all access must be auditable
- many industrial plants, the use of firewalls and network segmentation is only possible to a very limited extent, as control systems must function across all systems
- due to the increasingly demanding security situation and new legal requirements, investments in the security of industrial plants are urgently needed
Sematicon – the Solution from NetDescribe
Sematicon is a German company that specializes in cyber security solutions for industrial systems. Its products and services help companies to secure their industrial networks, machines and embedded systems against cyber attacks in order to close the security gap between IT and industrial control systems (OT).
Sematicon’s solutions are specifically tailored to the requirements of industrial companies to manage both existing and new systems securely and efficiently.
Industrial companies that use Sematicon solutions can expect a wide range of business benefits. The platform specializes in supporting and optimizing industrial processes, especially in the area of knowledge management and workflow automation. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Increased efficiency and automation
Sematicon enables the automation of complex, data-intensive processes. This enables industrial companies to reduce manual, error-prone tasks and significantly increase the efficiency of their processes. This means less work and faster throughput times, while at the same time increasing accuracy.
2. Improvement of knowledge management
The platform enables the centralized management of knowledge and technical data. Information is more easily accessible and is used more efficiently, which leads to better decision-making processes and faster problem solving. This can be particularly useful in the maintenance and operation of industrial plants.
3. Reduction of operating costs
Operating costs can be reduced by automating and optimizing processes. Companies benefit from lower personnel costs, less downtime and better use of resources.
4. Scalability
Sematicon offers solutions that can be easily scaled. Companies can adapt the platform to their specific requirements and scale with the growth of the company or the complexity of the processes.
5. Quality improvement
By standardizing processes and reducing errors, the quality of production is improved. This leads to higher productivity and better customer service, which in turn increases customer satisfaction and loyalty.
6. Faster time to market
Increased efficiency and automation mean that products can be developed and brought to market faster. This gives companies a competitive advantage, especially in industries where time is a critical factor.
7. Compliance and security
Sematicon supports compliance with legal regulations and internal standards through automated documentation and traceability of processes. This facilitates audits and reduces the risk of non-compliance.
8. Data-based decisions
The platform collects and analyzes data in real time, enabling companies to make informed decisions. By recognizing trends and patterns, companies can proactively respond to changes and adapt their strategies accordingly.
9. Competitive advantage
By implementing modern technologies such as Sematicon, companies can strengthen their position in the market and differentiate themselves from competitors who may still be working with older, more inefficient systems.
10. Collaboration support
Sematicon supports collaboration within the company and with external partners. Easy access to shared data and information facilitates teamwork and improves communication.
In summary, Sematicon offers a platform that can significantly improve the efficiency, quality and flexibility of industrial companies through automation, knowledge management and data analysis. These advantages lead to an overall increase in competitiveness and better positioning in the market.
Sematicon applies the proxy principle for access to OT, both remotely and on prem, and is therefore the only provider that enables legally compliant access (audit-capable, etc.). Sematicon is one of the few security providers that is already SOC-compliant (Cyber Resilience Act) and thus ensures OT security for industrial networks according to the zero-trust principle.
In accordance with the BSI specifications for industrial plants, 100% separation takes place in line with the zero-trust principle. All systems are completely isolated. In line with the security approach: “Don’t let anyone onto your system and check and document everything before you carry out maintenance on your behalf!”
The se.MIS™ platform is a modular solution for secure remote management and auditing that protects industrial networks without changing existing systems. It isolates the insecure access points of industrial networks and plants regardless of the age of the systems and meets strict international security standards such as IEC 62443.
se.MIS™ secure remote management in the age of Industry 4.0
- Secure remote access to old and new systems and machines
- Remote access without software installation on the target system or VPN
- Comprehensive, easy-to-administer roles, rights and access concepts
- Self-determination of IT and industry
- Fully integrated digital maintenance log
- State-of-the-art and highest security standards
Full flexibility thanks to a modular system
se.MIS™ Manager: Central system for user interaction, operated in the internal network, ideally the only system with indirect access to the isolated machine network.
se.MIS™ AccessGateway (optional): Allows external users secure access from the Internet without opening the firewall of the internal network.
se.MIS™ Connector (optional): Provides secure access from the IT network to the machine network via indirect connection, freely configurable and superior to classic VPN solutions.
se.MIS™ KVM Extender (optional): Enables access to systems without a network connection, such as older machines, through digital transmission of keyboard, mouse and screen signals.
The digital transformation brings with it new opportunities, but also complex requirements for the security of digital data and processes. Strong cryptography is therefore necessary.
While it is widely used in IT, the requirements in industry are often different, for example due to outdated systems and a lack of resources. Nevertheless, industrial devices must be integrated into modern IT systems.
Sematicon se.SAM™ offers platform-independent tools that make cryptography usable in these areas too.
The Sematicon se.SAM™ series makes it possible to integrate modern cryptographic standards into industrial and embedded systems in order to protect data and intellectual property.
Turnkey solution with flexible interface
se.SAM™ crypto modules with integrated crypto components can be used flexibly on all operating systems and architectures without software or drivers.
International standards and guidelines
se.SAM™ simplifies the implementation of guidelines such as IEC-62443 in the industrial IT environment. With sematicon crypto modules, you can meet all cryptography requirements.
Cryptography in hardware
se.SAM™ crypto modules perform all cryptographic operations in hardware, providing optimum protection for keys and ensuring security.
Long-term availability
Long-term availability of se.SAM™ crypto modules ensures that expensive recertifications with new hardware are avoided.
High environmental resistance
The se.SAM™ U-Series crypto modules are waterproof, shockproof and temperature-resistant, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
High electromagnetic immunity
se.SAM™ is certified for IT and industrial areas and is therefore ideal for installation in systems or control cabinets.
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