Real-Time Threat Response for OT Remote Access Sessions with Xona Systems
Real-time Threat Response for OT Remote Access Sessions Now a Reality
A new capability, Active Defense, has been introduced by Xona Systems to enable organizations to automatically stop threats in real-time during live remote access sessions in operational technology (OT) environments. This innovation eliminates the need for manual intervention, which can often take minutes to hours, leaving adversaries connected to critical systems.
The Growing Risk of Remote Access Pathways
The increasing reliance on remote connectivity for operating and maintaining critical infrastructure across various sectors, including energy, manufacturing, transportation, and water utilities, has made remote access pathways a prime target for attackers. Recent advisories from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) have highlighted the specific targeting of remote access pathways into water, energy, and other critical infrastructure sectors by nation-state actors.
The Gap in Threat Response
The gap between detecting suspicious activity and stopping an active session can be significant, leaving critical infrastructure exposed.
How Active Defense Works
Active Defense integrates with OT Asset Visibility Vulnerability Platforms, connecting OT detection signals directly to session-level enforcement through the Xona Secure Remote Access platform. When suspicious behavior is detected, the system triggers an immediate response, allowing organizations to intervene through secure remote access session management while minimizing the risk of operational disruption.
Real-time Threat Response without Compromise
Unlike traditional approaches that rely on network-level controls, which can disrupt sensitive operational systems, Active Defense enables organizations to respond to threats in real-time without compromising critical infrastructure. The capability is available as part of the Xona Secure Remote Access platform, supporting deployments in on-premises and hybrid OT environments.
Addressing a Critical Need in OT Security
By providing real-time threat response, Active Defense addresses a critical need in the OT security landscape, where the ability to act on detection signals in real-time is an operational necessity.
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