Celona, a leading innovator in private 5G networks, has introduced Aerloc, a comprehensive suite of security capabilities tailored to protect next-generation private 5G wireless networks used in industrial IT and OT systems, especially pertinent to Industry 4.0. The main theme of this initiative is to address the unique security challenges faced by increasingly digitized industrial environments that require seamless and secure connectivity. Aerloc aims to provide robust, agile security solutions that cater specifically to the needs of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).
Addressing Unique Security Challenges in Industrial Environments
Enhanced SIM-Based Authentication
A key feature of Aerloc is its enhanced SIM-based authentication, which facilitates unified zero trust enforcement across both IT and OT devices without the need for device-side software or agents. This improvement is significant in industrial contexts where traditional zero trust models often falter due to the latency requirements, necessity of on-premises data handling, and the large number of agentless IoT devices. By incorporating SIM-based authentication, Aerloc ensures a secure and seamless integration of IT and OT networks with private 5G. This integration results in a unified platform that assures real-time and secure data capture and analysis from IIoT devices, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Furthermore, the move toward a unified zero trust enforcement drastically reduces potential points of vulnerability within an industrial network. By eliminating the need for device-side software or agents, Aerloc addresses the common industrial challenge of maintaining security across a disparate array of equipment and machinery. This cutting-edge approach not only enhances security but also improves the efficiency of IIoT networks by streamlining the authentication process. The result is a more resilient industrial ecosystem capable of withstanding various cyber threats without compromising operational performance or data integrity.
Integrating IT and OT Networks
Aerloc’s solution integrates IT and OT networks with private 5G, offering a platform that ensures secure, real-time data capture and analysis from IIoT devices. This integration is crucial because traditional zero trust architectures often do not support the sophisticated requirements of industrial settings. By providing a seamless and secure connection between IT and OT systems, Aerloc addresses essential security needs while promoting operational efficiency and data accuracy. This approach enables industries to maintain a robust security posture while also benefiting from improved connectivity and data sharing across different systems.
This unified network approach facilitates a more cohesive security environment, allowing industries to manage and secure both IT and OT networks effectively. Industries are better positioned to protect sensitive operational data and ensure the reliability of their systems amidst the growing cybersecurity challenges. Aerloc’s innovative solution represents a significant advancement in the industrial sector’s efforts to leverage the benefits of private 5G while maintaining stringent security standards. By simplifying the complexities of managing dual networks, Aerloc sets a new benchmark for industrial cybersecurity solutions.
Dynamic and Distributed Policy Enforcement
Collaborative Security Environment
Aerloc excels in providing dynamic and distributed policy enforcement, which integrates with various security platforms and posture assessment tools, promoting a collaborative security environment. This functionality allows localized, responsive policy enforcement down to individual devices or users, significantly enhancing network security and reducing attack surfaces. The capability to enforce policies dynamically ensures that security measures can adapt to the shifting landscape of cyber threats, thereby providing a strong defense mechanism for industrial operations.
Additionally, the integration with different security platforms and tools means that Aerloc can offer a holistic security approach. Many industrial environments rely on multiple security tools to protect their networks and data, making integration a pivotal aspect of robust cybersecurity. Aerloc’s capability to work alongside these existing tools ensures that security policies are consistently enforced across all devices and users. This collaborative approach enhances the ability to detect and mitigate threats swiftly, fostering a more secure and resilient industrial network.
Celona MicroSlicing Technology
Another standout feature of Aerloc is the Celona MicroSlicing technology, which facilitates air-gapping between IT and OT traffic. This technology ensures secure and stringent separation of critical operational data from general enterprise traffic, both physically and logically, over shared 5G LAN networks. By implementing this technology, Aerloc provides an additional layer of security that safeguards sensitive data and operations from potential cyber threats.
The air-gapping capability is particularly valuable in industrial environments where the separation of different types of traffic is crucial to maintaining operational integrity and security. By ensuring that IT and OT traffic remain distinct and secure, Aerloc minimizes the risk of data breaches and operational disruptions. This segmentation of traffic not only enhances security but also optimizes the performance of the private 5G network by ensuring that critical data receives the necessary bandwidth and protection. As a result, industries can operate more efficiently, secure in the knowledge that their most sensitive data is well-protected.
Expanding Global Partnerships
Celona Frequency Partner Program
In tandem with the introduction of Aerloc, Celona has announced an expansion of its global channel program, now named the Celona Frequency Partner Program. This initiative aims to assist resellers and managed service providers in delivering secure private 5G services, indicative of Celona’s commitment to broadening its market impact. The program’s expansion reflects a strategic move to leverage partnerships and enhance the reach and adoption of secure private 5G networks.
By collaborating with resellers and managed service providers, Celona is poised to extend its innovative solutions to a broader range of industries. This partnership approach ensures that more organizations can benefit from the advanced security and connectivity features that Aerloc and private 5G offer. The expansion of the Celona Frequency Partner Program highlights Celona’s dedication to fostering a collaborative ecosystem that supports the widespread implementation of secure private 5G networks, ultimately driving digital transformation across various sectors.
Partnership with TD SYNNEX
Celona has also strengthened its presence in the market by forging a significant partnership with TD SYNNEX. This collaboration aims to further enhance Celona’s capacity to deliver top-tier private 5G solutions to a broader array of industrial clients. By leveraging TD SYNNEX’s extensive distribution network and expertise, Celona is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for secure and efficient 5G connectivity in industrial settings. This partnership underscores Celona’s commitment to advancing its technological offerings and expanding its market reach, ensuring that more industries can take advantage of the security and operational benefits provided by Aerloc and private 5G networks.
