Nozomi Networks and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories: A Strategic Partnership for Enhanced Cybersecurity in Critical Infrastructure
In an era where cybersecurity threats loom large over critical infrastructure, the partnership between Nozomi Networks and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) marks a significant advancement in safeguarding operational technology (OT) and Internet of Things (IoT) environments. The recent establishment of a reseller agreement and certification of expertise for Nozomi Networks’ software is set to enhance network assets, traffic visibility, and threat detection for utility and industrial control systems worldwide.
A New Era of Continuous Monitoring
The collaboration between Nozomi Networks and SEL enables customers globally to deploy a leading continuous monitoring solution tailored for industrial networks. This partnership leverages SEL Cyber Services’ extensive experience and support, ensuring that organizations can effectively manage their cybersecurity needs. As Will Edwards, head of cyber services at SEL, stated, “Customers depend on SEL to deliver secure solutions, and Nozomi Networks’ AI-powered platform helps us achieve this.” This integration allows for a seamless incorporation of Nozomi Networks’ platform into SEL’s Software-Defined Networks, providing advanced solutions designed to bolster the reliability and availability of critical services.
Meeting Regulatory and Compliance Demands
As critical infrastructure industries face increasing regulatory scrutiny, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more pressing. Organizations are tasked with understanding and adhering to security requirements such as NERC CIP, IEC 62443, NIST Risk Management Framework, and the SOCI Act. SEL Cyber Services plays a pivotal role in guiding customers through these complex security landscapes, ensuring compliance while addressing the unique challenges posed by operational risks.
The maturation of these standards has amplified the necessity for internal network security monitoring. Nozomi Networks’ solutions are specifically designed to simplify the monitoring of networks and facilitate compliance reporting, making it easier for organizations to meet regulatory demands.
Ensuring Uptime for Critical Infrastructure
The reliability of power utility infrastructure is paramount for societal functioning. Many cyber and physical control systems now rely on Ethernet networks to ensure safety and reliability. Critical network traffic, such as digital secondary systems and arc-flash signals, necessitates performance assurance and robust cybersecurity measures. SEL Cyber Services assists critical infrastructure customers in understanding their operational risks and implementing scalable networking and cybersecurity solutions tailored to their rigorous requirements.
The Power of Software-Defined Networks
SEL’s OT-Software-Defined Networks (SDN) are purpose-built for challenging environments where unauthorized devices and traffic should be denied by default. The integration of Nozomi Networks’ Vantage cloud-hosted security platform into these networks provides customers with comprehensive control over traffic flows. This eliminates the need for traffic taps or aggregators, streamlining data aggregation and enhancing overall network performance.
Chet Namboodri, Nozomi Networks’ senior vice president of Global Business Development, emphasized the shared mission of both companies: “For more than four decades, SEL has been making electric power safer, more reliable, and more economical worldwide. We share SEL’s mission and are pleased to combine our strengths to ensure that future generations have the means to pursue an increasingly higher quality of life.”
Conclusion: A Collaborative Future
The partnership between Nozomi Networks and Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories represents a significant step forward in the realm of cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. By combining their strengths, both companies are poised to deliver enhanced security solutions that not only protect vital services but also empower organizations to navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance. With Nozomi Networks’ solutions now available through SEL, customers can look forward to a more secure and resilient future for their industrial networks.
As the landscape of cybersecurity continues to evolve, collaborations like this one will be essential in ensuring that critical infrastructure remains secure, reliable, and ready to meet the demands of an increasingly interconnected world.