Schneider and Fortinet to address the OT cybersecurity
Schneider Electric and Fortinet have joined in a strategic partnership to provide cybersecurity solutions that address the unique needs of OT networks.
Under the terms of the agreement, both the two companies will jointly develop cybersecurity solutions for specific industries and applications, meaning customers will have more access to leading products and customized, flexible cybersecurity solutions, with Fortinet applications integrated with Schneider Electric offers.
Schneider Electric will integrate Fortinet’s firewalls, secure access and other device protection solutions into its own cybersecurity solutions to help customers secure and protect their increasingly digital operations.
Jay Abdallah, vice president, Cybersecurity Services, Schneider Electric said “Today, more than ever, it is critical for owner-operators to address cybersecurity risks upfront and then implement the best cybersecurity solutions for their specific needs and environments. By combining our technology, experience and expertise with Fortinet’s products, we are better able to develop and implement custom, holistic solutions that not only enable our customers’ digital transformations, but improve their ability to manage their cybersecurity risks across the operations lifecycle.”
During the first six months of 2020, 68.3% of organizations in the Middle East detected traffic related Mirai, a malware that primarily targets online consumer devices such as IP cameras and home routers, or one of its many variants. Another 58% of organizations detected traffic related to Gh0st, a remote access botnet that allows an attacker to take full control of the infected system, log keystrokes, provide live webcam and microphone feeds, download and upload files, and other nefarious activities.
“As a leader in OT security, we’re pleased to join Schneider Electric to enable organizations adopting digital innovation to unlock the advantages of the Internet and connected IIoT devices,” said Rick Peters, CISO – Operational Technology, Fortinet.
Peters added “By delivering leading cybersecurity solutions tailor-made for OT environments, we are able to protect organizations by reducing cybersecurity risk across multi-vector threat landscapes. This partnership highlights two industry-leading companies with a deep understanding of the needs, requirements and constraints of OT environments working together to provide unique cybersecurity solutions. We look forward to collaborating with Schneider Electric to bring together the best technology and expertise available.”
