Digital advancements present significant security challenges for the power sector, a critical component of modern infrastructure. Any disruption in power systems can have widespread consequences. In an exclusive interview with POWER, Apu Pavithran, founder and CEO of Hexnode, sheds light on how Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) can bolster the security of power companies. Hexnode’s award-winning UEM platform supports organizations globally with centralized threat management. Pavithran’s insights reveal strategies for navigating cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and endpoint management within the power industry.
POWER: What unique challenges does the power sector face in device management compared to other industries?
Apu Pavithran: The power industry, as a cornerstone of contemporary society, confronts distinct challenges in cybersecurity and device management. Downtime in this sector can cause extensive disruptions with severe societal impacts. Incidents like the Colonial Pipeline attack underscore the catastrophic potential of seemingly minor security lapses. This underscores the need for a proactive approach in managing and securing endpoints.
Modernizing critical infrastructure involves integrating digital technologies while ensuring cybersecurity. As interconnected devices and networks expand, so does the attack surface, increasing vulnerability. Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) becomes essential in this context. UEM platforms allow power companies to oversee and secure all endpoints from a centralized location, ensuring compliance with security protocols and real-time monitoring.
Interoperability is another significant factor. New technologies must seamlessly integrate with legacy systems without disrupting operations. UEM platforms offer a unified interface for managing diverse endpoints, from mobile devices to IoT-enabled equipment. They also facilitate the swift deployment of updates and patches, which is crucial for maintaining security and operational continuity.
POWER: What challenges do rugged devices present, and how can UEM solutions address these issues?
Pavithran: Rugged devices are indispensable in field operations within the power sector, where conditions can be harsh. While these devices are built to endure physical stress, their cybersecurity needs to be equally robust.
UEM platforms streamline the management of rugged devices by offering centralized control over critical applications, device compliance, and location tracking. They can also lock devices into specific functions, ensuring security even in demanding environments. Automated security updates are vital for protecting devices in remote locations against emerging threats. In case of a security breach, UEMs can remotely lock or wipe compromised devices, protecting sensitive data and minimizing the impact of incidents.
POWER: How can UEM solutions assist power companies in meeting stringent cybersecurity regulations?
Pavithran: Compliance is crucial in the power industry, which must adhere to various regulatory standards such as NERC CIP, ISO/IEC 27001, and EPCIP. Non-compliance can result in significant fines and reputational damage.
UEM solutions help companies navigate these regulations by enforcing compliance policies across all devices. For example, ISO 27001 mandates specific controls for endpoint management, including physical safety and encryption. UEM platforms offer detailed reporting capabilities, simplifying audits and demonstrating compliance to regulatory bodies. Real-time monitoring and alerts also enable quick identification and rectification of compliance deviations.
POWER: What strategies are effective in protecting the power infrastructure from cyber threats?
Pavithran: Beyond UEM solutions, a zero-trust approach is crucial for cybersecurity in the power sector. This model, which operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify,” is particularly relevant due to the critical nature of power infrastructure. Traditional perimeter security is insufficient; instead, zero-trust involves continuous verification of every device, user, and network component before granting access.
UEM platforms support this model by providing granular control and visibility over endpoints. They enforce strict device health and compliance standards, ensuring that only secure devices can access critical resources. UEMs also mandate robust authentication, protect data with strong encryption, and enable rapid response to security breaches. This proactive stance is essential for safeguarding the power grid from both external and internal threats.
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