How Secure Remote Access from Armis Aligns with CISA’s Modern Approaches to Network Access Security

Safeguarding remote access to critical infrastructure has become paramount with the rise in complexity of connected OT environments. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has outlined comprehensive strategies to enhance network access security, focusing on mitigating risks associated with non-secure remote access methods. Armis for OT/IoT Security has been built with OT needs in mind. SRA is just one facet of a bespoke solution that aligns well with CISAs advice on providing organizations with robust tools to protect their most sensitive environments.

Understanding CISA’s Modern Approaches to Network Access Security

CISA’s guidelines emphasize the importance of adopting Zero Trust principles, remote access management, and effective internal network segmentation. These strategies are critical in safeguarding networks from unauthorized access, particularly in environments where remote work and third-party vendor access are common.

One of the key areas CISA highlights is the risk associated with Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), especially when used for remote access by third-party vendors or contractors. As outlined on page 4 of the CISA document, non-secure remote access, including poorly managed VPNs, can introduce significant vulnerabilities into an organization’s network, making it crucial to implement more secure, modern approaches.

How Armis Aligns with CISA’s Guidelines

Armis provides a comprehensive suite of security solutions that align with CISA’s recommended approaches:

1. Underlined by Zero Trust Principles
Armis enables organizations to implement Zero Trust principles across their network, ensuring that every access request is verified, regardless of the user’s location. This aligns directly with CISA’s emphasis on Zero Trust as a foundational security strategy.

2. Policy-based Access
By providing granular control over who has access to what resources and for how long, Armis helps organizations manage access on a person by person basis. This approach reduces the risk of unauthorized access, a key concern highlighted by CISA, particularly when dealing with third-party vendors.

3. Network Segmentation Capabilities
Armis supports the segmentation of internal networks, extending security to the deepest levels of Operational Technology (OT) environments, such as those described in the Purdue Model. This segmentation is critical in preventing lateral movement within the network, a strategy CISA advocates to minimize the impact of potential breaches.

Replacing Legacy Security Measures with Modern Solutions

Traditional security measures, such as VPNs, have been standard in protecting critical infrastructure for decades. However, Armis offers a more streamlined, effective solution that replaces these legacy approaches with modern, dynamic security measures. This not only simplifies the security architecture but also enhances the overall effectiveness of network access controls, aligning with CISA’s push for more robust and adaptable security frameworks.

Addressing Risks of Non-Secure Remote Access

CISA’s document (specifically on pages 9-10) also discusses the Cross Sector Performance Goals (CPGs) published in 2023, which provide direction on securing critical infrastructure sectors. Armis delivers extensive coverage of these CPGs, ensuring that organizations can meet these goals effectively. Armis’s secure remote access capabilities are designed to provide just-enough, just-in-time access to third parties, minimizing exposure to risk while ensuring operational efficiency.

This approach not only aligns with CISA’s recommendations but also addresses the specific risks associated with remote access, particularly in environments where critical operations are at stake. By leveraging Armis’s secure remote access, organizations can protect themselves against the vulnerabilities highlighted by CISA, ensuring that their networks remain secure, even in the face of evolving threats.

Final Thoughts

As organizations continue to navigate the complexities of modern network security, aligning with CISA’s guidelines is not just recommended but essential. Armis’s solutions offer a direct response to the challenges outlined by CISA, providing organizations with the tools they need to secure their networks against unauthorized access, particularly in critical infrastructure environments. By adopting Armis’s secure remote access solutions, organizations can ensure that they are not only meeting but exceeding the standards set by CISA, protecting their most valuable assets and fortifying operations for the future.