Secure OT/IoT Access

Protect access to OT and IoT networks without disrupting productivity or operations.

Control Access to Critical OT and IoT Systems

OT and IoT systems often rely on legacy protocols with minimal built-in protections, making secure access challenging without negatively impacting operations. AppGate ZTNA addresses this by cloaking critical control systems and enforcing identity- and policy-driven access, ensuring only authorized users and applications can communicate with sensors, controllers, and data collectors. This reduces exposure, prevents unauthorized access, and maintains operational efficiency.

  • Cloaked Resources: OT and IoT resources remain invisible until authenticated and authorized.
  • Identity-Centric Access: Access is granted based on device identity, user context and risk posture, not just network location.
  • Dynamic Policy Enforcement: Policies respond to device posture and activity to maintain secure access.
  • Seamless Integration: Integrates with existing security tools for improved monitoring and operational oversight. 
In robotic maintenance shop an engineer

How It Works

AppGate ZTNA secures access to OT and IoT systems by dynamically routing traffic, enforcing entitlements, and maintaining high performance and reliability.

Secure Connectivity

AppGate ZTNA provides encrypted tunnels to OT and IoT systems, protecting data as it moves between sensors, controllers, data collectors, and analytics platforms—regardless of location.

Dynamic Path Selection

The system uses device attributes and network conditions to select the optimal path for secure connections, improving performance and reliability.

IP Pool Mapping

Unique IP addresses are assigned to each system or endpoint type, preventing conflicts and ensuring correct routing of traffic.

Fallback Mechanism

If a network or system failure occurs, a backup path is automatically selected to maintain secure connectivity.

Access Control

Entitlements and policies define which systems and resources can be accessed, ensuring only authorized users and endpoints communicate with OT and IoT systems. 

Implementation Steps

AppGate ZTNA simplifies the secure connection of OT and IoT environments by configuring connectors, defining policies, and monitoring traffic for optimal performance.

1 Configure Connectors

Establish secure tunnels for OT and IoT devices, ensuring encrypted communication.

2 Define Device Policies and Entitlements

Create policies and entitlements that specify access rules for each device type, including fallback options.

3 Set Up IP Pool Mapping

Assign unique IP addresses to each device type, preventing conflicts and ensuring proper traffic routing.

4 Deploy and Configure Gateways

Ensure Gateways are deployed to handle traffic securely and efficiently for each device type.

5 Monitor and Adjust

Use monitoring tools to track performance and adjust policies as needed to maintain security and optimize network efficiency. 

Benefits and Outcomes

Implementing AppGate ZTNA for OT and IoT delivers secure, efficient, and manageable connectivity across complex and distributed environments. 

  • Reduces operational complexity by centralizing OT and IoT policy management.
  • Aligns OT and IoT systems with a Zero Trust strategy for stronger security.
  • Integrates with third-party security tools for continuous risk assessment.
  • Enables secure site-to-site or multi-site tunnels, allowing legacy VPN, SD-WAN, and MPLS to be retired.
  • Supports compliance and auditing with identity-based access and real-time permission updates. 
Screeshot popout image

Live learning series and Q&A: ZTNA Table Talks

Get firsthand insights from our network security experts on the advantages of direct-routed ZTNA built for intricate hybrid IT environments. Each month features a different topic and live demo on how to strengthen security, control how data traverses your network, cut costs, and boost operational efficiencies.

Register Now
ZTNA Table Talks