Pulse Secure adds behavior analysis and step-up authentication to industrial IoT security system

Dec 13, 2018, 11:12 am EST | Chris Burt

Categories Access Control | Biometrics News

Access security provider Pulse Secure has released a new version of its Pulse Policy Secure (PPS) software to extend its Zero Trust Security model and apply behavioral analytics to industrial internet of things (IIoT) devices and smart factories.

PPS 9.0 automatically discovers and profiles IIoT systems, including factory floor SCADAs, PLCs and HMIs, and office building HAVC systems, classifying devices with a built-in IoT device identification library and applying policies. It provides dynamic visibility into systems and secures them with policies for local and remote access by authorized users and contractors, and automatically protects devices with an integrated next-generation firewall, according to the announcement. The new release monitors device behavior and in the case of anomalies alerts security teams and automatically requires additional authentication factors.

Pulse Secure provides PPS as part of the company’s combined VPN and NAC solution to help prevent costly unplanned business downtime. The combined VPN and NAC approach enables IT teams to grant contractors remote access secured with authentication and encryption to expedite repairs and quickly return IoT systems to productivity.

“A top priority for manufacturing customers is complete visibility and security of IIoT devices on smart factory floor environments. Because failing systems may lead to loss of revenue or human life, customers must emphasize rapid remediation of machines to avoid system outages,” said Tony Massimini, Frost & Sullivan Senior Industry Analyst, Information & Network Security. “The latest Pulse Policy Secure release helps customers protect factory floor system integrity by providing technicians secure remote access. New Behavioral Analytics features also safeguard against attacks by detecting anomalous activity.”

Techniques for securing IoT devices with behavior analysis are being developed by ID R&D as part of Microsoft’s global IoT & AI Insider Labs program, and also by Plurilock under a contract with DHS S&T.