Protocol Security Gateway
As industrial infrastructure becomes increasingly connected, the vulnerability of building automation and control systems has reached a critical level. If your facility is monitored or controlled via protocols like BACnet/IP or Modbus/TCP, it is inherently open to unauthorized access.
Unlike IT networks, traditional OT (Operational Technology) protocols were often designed for performance rather than security. Without a dedicated Protocol Security Gateway, any user on the network who can modify a setpoint or operating parameter poses a risk of causing permanent, critical damage to your equipment and personnel.
The Risk Profile of BACnet/IP and Modbus/TCP
Modern infrastructure relies on the transparency of data communication. However, this same transparency allows intruders to intercept "Read Requests" and "Write Commands." In a standard environment, if one person has the tools to change a cooling setpoint or a motor speed, there is often no native mechanism to prevent an intruder from doing the same.
- BACnet/IP Vulnerabilities: Often lacks inherent encryption, allowing attackers to spoof device IDs or flood the network with "Who-Is" requests.
- Modbus/TCP Risks: Lacks any form of authentication. Once a connection is established to Port 502, an intruder can issue commands to any coil or register.
- Critical Consequences: Attacks can lead to equipment burnout, safety shut-offs, or undetected environmental shifts in sensitive areas like data centers or laboratories.
Authorization and Access Control
The Protocol Security Gateway acts as a sophisticated "Protocol Firewall." It stops intruders in their tracks by inspecting every packet and preventing unauthorized data from passing from one side of the gateway to the other.
Advanced Authorization Controls:
- Identity Management: Limit who can initiate Read or Write requests based on specific user credentials or IP white-listing.
- Data Granularity: Define exactly which data points (e.g., specific BACnet Objects or Modbus Registers) are accessible. Even if a user can read data, they can be blocked from writing to it.
- Time-Based Access: Configure security policies that only allow changes during specific time periods, such as standard maintenance windows.
Full Audit Trails and Intruder Reporting
Security is not just about prevention; it is about visibility. The Protocol Security Gateway provides comprehensive reporting features to help facility managers understand their network's security posture:
- Full Audit Trails: Generates detailed reports answering "Who changed what, and when?"
- Intruder Alerts: Automatically emails designated personnel the moment an unauthorized attempt to modify a parameter is detected.
- Attempt Logging: Tracks failed access attempts to identify potential brute-force attacks or internal tampering.
FAQ – Protocol Security
1) Does the gateway introduce latency?
The gateway is optimized for high-speed industrial traffic, ensuring that packet inspection and authorization checks occur in milliseconds, preserving the real-time requirements of control systems.
2) Can it support legacy serial protocols?
Yes. While BACnet/IP and Modbus/TCP are the primary targets for network-based attacks, the gateway can also secure serial-to-Ethernet transitions for legacy hardware.
3) Is a VPN enough to protect my system?
A VPN secures the "tunnel" to your network, but once someone is inside the network (or if a threat originates internally), a VPN cannot prevent unauthorized protocol commands. The Protocol Security Gateway provides the necessary internal defense.
Secure Your Infrastructure Today
Chipkin provides specialized security solutions for building automation and industrial control. Contact our engineering team to discuss how we can protect your critical data communication:
