Before you read this article make sure you’ve seen our previous blog posts “What is Operational Technology?” “Difference Between OT and IT” and “What are the risks of Operational Technology?” This will give you a better understanding of what solutions are right for your organization.
Who is Fortinet?
Fortinet is a global security company that specializes in protecting businesses, service providers, and government agencies. They promise solutions that can address any critical security challenges with their Security Fabric architecture. Fortinet's solutions are applicable to networks, applications, cloud, and mobile environments. “Fortinet ranks first in the world in terms of security appliances shipped, and more than 500,000 customers trust Fortinet to protect their businesses.”
Fortinet implements a strong cybersecurity platform by offering:
- Broad visibility and protection of the entire digital attack surface to better manage risk.
- Integrated solutions that reduce complexity and share threat intelligence.
- Automated self-healing networks with AI-driven security for fast and efficient operations.
Multiple teams work together within an organization to provide products and services that meet the needs of customers. Field/Edge, Operations, Demilitarized, Enterprise, and Remote are common organizational divisions.
The field or edge in operational technology is also known as the manufacturing area. This is where the generators, pipes, valves, and all other core applications are held. A manufacturing field can differ depending on the industry. It is the process of adding value to raw materials by turning them into products: electrical goods, vehicles, aircraft, food, beverages, medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and so on.
What is physical security and why is it important?
Any business or organization needs to protect their workers, valuables and prevent theft or any crimes from happening. Physical security protects assets, which can be anything in relation to humans, IT assets, furniture for the wellbeing of humankind. It focuses on the protection of human resources and valuables that can damage or disrupt the operations of a business.
There are many types of physical security you can choose from depending on the size and needs of your organization. For example, the main one is a surveillance system or (closed-circuit television CCTV). You can also choose to have alarms, access cards, a pass management system, visitor badges, and so on. All of these safety measures help to monitor who enters and exits and the behavior of guests.
Challenges faced in a Field or Edge
There are challenges we all face in our day-to-day lives. In a manufacturing area, there will be inevitable circumstances, so you must be prepared and everyone should know what to do in these critical situations.
Companies may experience breaches in their lock system leading to outsiders breaking and entering. There has also been an increase in cybersecurity threats where smart doors, networked security cameras, locks, and alarms are susceptible to attacks.
You may be using a video management system (VMS) to monitor your workplace or environment. It is difficult to monitor because everything is located in a virtual environment. There is also the risk of people forgetting passwords and human errors when keeping files secured. And of course, backing up data with no hard drive can make storing data harder and sometimes complicated.
What are Fortinet’s Solutions?
Fortinet has a range of solutions that eliminates or prevents any compromise of your networks or servers. To protect your networks and servers, a Fortinet Recorder can offer physical security. The FortiRecorder™ can be configured for continuous or motion-based recording or both. You can choose from an appliance-based Network Video Recorder (NVR) and/or a Virtual Machine (VM) version for flexible deployment. It has a web-based interface that enables you to browse past footage, set alerts, and monitor cameras. For FortiRecorder™ to work, you will need three components, an endpoint, switch, and the application itself.
FortiCamera™ gives you full coverage indoors and outdoors. It is vandal-proof, waterproof, operates with low-light and night vision, has fixed and motorized zoom, and more. There is no license required and it is easy to set up. Fortinet’s FortiCentral™ is an AI-enabled video management software (VMS).
FortiCentral™ is a freeware application. You will need the FortiRecorder™ and FortiCamera™ for the video surveillance system management to work. If you are looking to provide extra protection for your organization, FortiCentral™ offers its artificial intelligence (AI), such as facial/object/occupancy detection and privacy protection.
To monitor or view the operation and command center you will need A FortiCamera™ and a FortiSwitch™. FortiSwitch™ can be managed by the FortiGate interface and integrated with FortiLink. The FortiSwitch is used for SD-Branch deployments. It helps enable voice data, and wireless traffic to be delivered through the network. When you use a FortiSwitch™ you will get the security, performance, and manageability of your network.
For those who require a FortiVoice™, you will need a FortiFone™ (IP Phone) to connect to a Forti AP for a wireless option. For a wired option you can opt for a FortiSwitch™, which can all be connected to a FortiVoice™ to function.
FortiVoice™ is Fortinet’s solution for collaboration that offers a centralized, safe and secured environment. It has an integrated voice, allows you to conduct conferencing and fax, manage calls, control communication costs, and connects you globally.
FortiAP™ aids in the simplification of operations in order to provide consistent policy enforcement and compliance. It has an integrated firewall, intrusion prevention system (IPS), application control, and a web filter to protect the wireless LAN from security threats.
The end-point is the FortiFone™, it is an IP phone that offers HD quality audio, visual notifications, and key appearances. The key appearances are programmable and enable you to monitor lines and extensions. You can program the keys with your FortiVoice™.
FortiFone offers:
- Call forwarding
- Voicemail notification
- One-touch transfers
- Do not disturb
- Conference calling
- Speed dial
- PoE (Power of Ethernet) support
- Auto-discovery for easy setup
- Bluetooth support on select models
- Cordless DECT models
Fortinet provides solutions that can improve your manufacturing area and make everyone's job easier. They are simple to use and set up and will guarantee an increase in worker productivity. Advanced technology allows your workplace to grow, achieve faster results, and meet the demands of your customers.
Ardent Networks is partnered with Fortinet to provide the best solutions in the market. You can visit their solutions portfolio for more information on all of their solutions for all industries.