WHITE PAPER

IoT & IIoT security: Achieve zero trust with secure device identities

Connectivity is the central theme in the world of IoT (Internet of Things), IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things), and industrial automation. This interconnected web of devices, including sensors and actuators, fuels applications ranging from predictive maintenance to fleet management. Yet, this connectivity comes with a significant caveat - heightened vulnerability to cyber threats.

The zero trust model, operating on the principle of "verify before you trust," provides a compelling solution to these challenges. Its effectiveness hinges on establishing trusted identities for people, devices, and networks, encompassing IT, OT, IoT, and IIoT. Here, Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) plays a pivotal role, providing a robust framework for creating, managing, and ensuring the authenticity of these identities.

The optimal time to provision these identities is during the manufacturing phase when devices reside in a controlled environment, aided by a Factory Certificate Authority (CA). To fortify device security in the field, operators can introduce an "Operator ID," distinguishing devices and granting tailored access rights.

Interested in delving deeper? Download our white paper today to understand the role PKI plays in realizing zero trust for your industrial devices.