Remote Access via VPN: a secure connection for machine builders
In the digital age, where remote work and remote system management have become essential, remote access via Virtual Private Network is a cornerstone for industry and machine builders.
Industrial VPN offers a secure means to monitor, manage, and control machinery and systems over long distances, allowing operators to access critical data and respond promptly when necessary.
With the digital revolution in the industrial world, it is crucial to examine this technology to fully understand its potential, both in terms of data protection and operational efficiency improvement.
An Industrial VPN creates a direct and secure link between the user's device and the corporate network allowing access to protect machinery and equipment.
How does the Remote Access work within the Corvina Platform?
Corvina Remote Access VPN, part of the Corvina Platform, offers high-speed remote connections to HMI, Gateway, and machinery components. Its multi-server architecture automatically connects to the nearest server, optimizing performance. The user-friendly web interface allows easy configuration and customization of applications and profiles for each machine component. Access is tailored through user roles, granting specific permissions.
Equipped with Direct Access, Corvina VPN provides swift entry into applications and endpoints via a simplified interface. Users can connect quickly using any device, enhancing control over machinery. The VPN ensures optimal performance by selecting the best server based on source IP, requiring no user configuration, and supports seamless remote access and management.
Security is crucial in industrial VPN
Ensuring robust security is essential for an effective VPN, requiring advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring to protect sensitive information. Unlike other remote services, VPNs provide secure connections. Industrial VPNs must use advanced authentication and encryption to safeguard interconnected systems, emphasizing the need for strong security measures.
Implement secure remote access in industrial automation systems
Remote access in industrial automation enables equipment monitoring, maintenance, and control from any location, but it poses security challenges. Key components for secure access include:
- Encrypted Connections: Encrypt all data between remote users and systems to prevent unauthorized access.
- User Authentication: Use strong methods like multi-factor authentication to ensure only authorized access.
- Access Control: Implement strict policies to limit user access to necessary data and systems.
- Regular Audits and Monitoring: Conduct continuous monitoring and audits to quickly detect and address unusual activities or breaches.
What are the security features of Industrial VPN?
Industrial VPNs ensure secure remote connections with specific features to protect data in transit, making it unreadable if intercepted. Dive deeper in security mechanisms, discover how to integrate firewall e key cybersecurity practice in the dedicated article.
Safer VPNs: what strategies should you follow?
To improve the security of an industrial VPN, consider implementing several key measures. Employing strong authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication, adds an extra layer of security beyond just usernames and passwords. This can include biometric verification or one-time passwords, ensuring that only authorized users gain access to your systems.
Regularly updating your VPN software is also crucial; keeping it up to date with the latest security patches and updates protects against vulnerabilities and potential threats. Implementing network segmentation by dividing your network into segments can limit the potential impact of a breach, helping to contain any security incidents to a smaller portion of your network.
Continuously monitoring VPN usage for any unusual activity and conducting regular audits to ensure compliance with security policies are also essential practices. This proactive approach aids in detecting and responding to potential security threats promptly.
Corvina features for Security Connection
Corvina enhances VPN security through various applications designed to ensure a secure connection. One of its key features is the OTP (One-Time Password) functionality, which offers a robust method for multi-factor authentication. By requiring users to provide a unique, time-sensitive code in addition to their regular login credentials, this feature adds an extra layer of security.
Additionally, Corvina supports outgoing connections only, which minimizes the risk of unauthorized inbound access and significantly enhances network security. This approach ensures that only approved and authenticated requests are allowed to interact with the network.
Furthermore, Corvina provides OTA (Over-The-Air) updates to maintain cybersecurity patches up to date. Regular updates help protect against known vulnerabilities and ensure that the system remains secure against emerging threats.
What hardware is necessary for an industrial remote VPN?
Implementing an industrial VPN requires careful evaluation of the hardware to ensure secure, reliable, and efficient remote access. The selected hardware must support internet connectivity via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or 4G/5G and act as a firewall, serving as the sole access point to the machine from the external environment.
A robust and secure hardware setup enhances protection against unauthorized access and strengthens the safety and integrity of industrial automation systems. By prioritizing hardware that meets high-security and performance standards, organizations can effectively safeguard their operations.
Does a software VPN require hardware? Yes, a software VPN requires hardware, though not necessarily specific one. While a software VPN primarily relies on software to create secure connections, it cannot function without underlying hardware.
The hardware provides the necessary processing power, storage, and network interfaces to support VPN operations. As long as a piece of hardware can guarantee these characteristics, it can serve as a VPN access point. This means that a variety of hardware solutions, from servers and routers to certain advanced devices, can be employed to enable a VPN, provided they meet the necessary performance and security requirements.
Choosing VPN hardware: performance and connectivity tips
Selecting the appropriate hardware for an industrial VPN requires careful consideration of technical requirements, application scenarios, and future needs. Here are the key factors to guide your decision:
Technical Specifications and Capacity:
Choose hardware that meets or exceeds the required technical specifications. A VPN access point may also support additional applications, making it prudent to overestimate CPU and RAM capacity to handle heavier workloads effectively. An Industrial PC with an integrated VPN agent is often the best choice, offering robust computational power alongside an efficient VPN server. Ensure the hardware aligns with the customer's specific requirements to guarantee optimal performance.
Size and Form Factor for Portability Needs:
The hardware’s size and form factor should align with its intended use. For mobile remote access scenarios, smaller devices like compact gateways are ideal. These devices are energy-efficient and well-suited for applications such as fleet management in mines. Conversely, non-portable applications may benefit from larger hardware solutions that provide greater performance and data throughput.
Wired and Wireless Connectivity Options:
Determine whether wireless connectivity is essential for current or future use cases. While all hardware-based VPNs support wired connections, not all include wireless functionality. For scenarios where wireless access might be needed, select hardware that supports both wired and wireless connections. Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), such as the JSmart Series, provide an excellent all-in-one solution, offering Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), Wi-Fi, and PCAP touchscreens. These features allow operators to activate VPN services directly when necessary, ensuring flexibility and ease of use.
Can an HMI serve as a VPN Access Point?
An HMI or an Industrial PC both can work as VPN access point, as seen in paragraphs above hardware features depends on end-customer needs. Here are the key considerations for using a non-VPN-gateway as a VPN access point:
- Embedded VPN Software: Advanced HMIs may have built-in VPN software, simplifying setup and reducing device requirements.
- Processing Power: The HMI must have adequate processing power and memory for VPN tasks without hindering its main functions.
- Network Interface: A reliable network interface is necessary, with at least one free Ethernet port or wireless capability.
In summary, while HMIs can function as VPN access points, they must meet specific technical criteria to do so effectively. Assessing the HMI's capabilities and aligning them with customer needs is essential for ensuring a secure and efficient setup.
Understanding how Industrial VPNs work
An VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure and encrypted connection over the internet between remote users and industrial systems such as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers). This ensures that data transmitted between the remote device and the network is protected from unauthorized access and cyber threats. The VPN masks the data, making it unreadable to anyone intercepting the transmission, thus maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the data.
How do I remotely access to PLC?
Typically, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) are equipped with basic firmware to maintain straightforward logic for efficient machinery control, without extensive built-in software for remote access. Therefore, to connect to a PLC remotely, external hardware such as a gateway or an HMI is required. These devices facilitate remote connectivity, allowing users to connect, configure, troubleshoot, or access live data from controllers wirelessly over Bluetooth, cellular, or WLAN.
Gateways can be mounted onto a controller cabinet and connected via Ethernet, Serial RS-232/485, or CAN to the PLC. This setup enables remote access to the PLC and its live data from a distance, ensuring efficient and flexible management of industrial automation systems.
How to setup a new VPN connection
To set up a VPN, select a provider, install the client software, and create an account if needed. Configure server details, enable authentication like multi-factor, and connect. Keep the connection secure and update the software regularly.
With Corvina, the VPN is embedded in the device. Activation is simple with an activation key, establishing the connection automatically.
For more details, see the support section.
Benefits of Remote Access technologies for Industrial Automation
Implementing Remote Access Technologies is the enabling factor for the new era of automation. Automation is a critical factor in boosting productivity and efficiency within the manufacturing sector. The ability to remotely access industrial automation equipment becomes pivotal, allowing manufacturers to oversee and update their machinery from any location and at any time. Remote access allows engineers and technicians to monitor, control, and troubleshoot machinery and systems from anywhere in the world, minimizing the need for on-site visits. This capability leads to faster response times for maintenance and repairs, optimizing production processes and reducing the likelihood of prolonged equipment outages.
The strategic role of VPNs for machine builders
The Remote access to a machinery can be done via different path, in base of the specific need it must be used a different channel to access the machinery.
The VPN is a fundamental path to be able to access directly to machinery control, in fact, even if the VPN is only in output, the remote operator can proactively access to PLCs, HMIs or other connected hardware on site.
Additionally, VPNs designed for industrial environments provide secure, encrypted connections between remote users and operational networks, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and cyber threats. These VPNs also ensure the integrity and confidentiality of communications, which is essential for safeguarding proprietary information and complying with industry regulations.
How to choose the right VPN provider for industrial needs?
Choosing the right VPN provider for your industrial needs requires careful consideration of several key factors.
First, assess the provider's security, encryption, and industry reputation to ensure data protection and compliance. Choose providers with strong customer support and a user-friendly interface for easy VPN management, minimizing downtime and simplifying setup.
Scalability is crucial. Choose a provider whose solutions can expand with your business, accommodating more devices and network needs. Also, consider cost by evaluating pricing models to fit your budget and future requirements.
VPN service pricing typically falls into three categories:
- Proportional Pricing: In this model, each additional device is evaluated at a specific value. For example, if the cost for a VPN lifetime service is 1 Token, the customer knows that each additional device will always cost +1 Token. This model is straightforward and predictable, allowing for easy budgeting as the number of devices increases.
- Tiered Pricing: This model works in tiers, with a fixed price for specific ranges of devices. For example, it might cost 1 Token for 1 to 10 devices, 50 Tokens for 10 to 20 devices, and so on. This model can be more cost-effective if your number of devices falls within a lower tier, but costs can increase significantly as you move to higher tiers.
It is crucial to evaluate the long-term costs at the beginning of the partnership. A solution that appears cheaper initially might become more expensive over time as your device count grows. Carefully analyze and compare the pricing structures to find the most cost-effective solution for your needs, both now and in the future.
Key moments to deploy VPNs in industrial networks
Choosing a VPN in the industrial environment becomes crucial under several specific circumstances.
- When your operations start to go global: In these scenarios, a VPN provides secure remote access to globally distributed machines, enabling efficient management and troubleshooting without on-site visits.
- When your operational issues increasingly shift from hardware to software. As software issues increase, remote diagnostics and fixes are possible, minimizing on-site visits. A VPN ensures secure connectivity for engineers to address software problems remotely.
- When integrating third-party vendors into your network. A VPN secures and controls external partners' access for maintenance, support, or monitoring, safeguarding your network.
- When regulatory compliance with cybersecurity standards is required. In industries prioritizing data integrity and security, a VPN aids in meeting strict regulations by adding protection for data in transit.
Conclusion
Remote access technologies, especially VPN solutions, are critical for businesses navigating the challenges of a connected world. They empower customers to securely manage and monitor machines across multiple locations, address software issues remotely, and collaborate with third-party vendors—all while reducing costs and improving efficiency.
At EXOR International and CORVINA, we provide tools to help customers take control of their operations with confidence. Whether it’s through HMI devices with built-in VPN capabilities, the MicroEdge Basic VPN gateway for secure multi-device connectivity, or the scalable Corvina Platform, our solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly into your workflows. These technologies prioritize simplicity, security, and reliability, enabling businesses to stay connected and productive while focusing on what they do best.