Tofino Xenon and Configurator 2.0 for control system security

Belden's security hardware and software now include increased customisation capabilities and improved ease of use. The enhancements of these next-generation products allow industries, such as manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities, to easily install upgrades on live systems with minimal configuration. Ultimately, the new features will maximise network uptime by enhancing overall data security and reducing operational risks.

The Tofino Xenon firewall is designed to withstand harsh conditions while ensuring data security for production networks. Other benefits of the Xenon include:

• Custom-built options, such as designated temperature ranges and software modules
• Compliance with global standards, customisable for use in electrical substations, hazardous environments or transportation systems
• Easy integration into existing, live networks with no pre-configuration needs or risk of production disruptions

Eric Byres, the chief technology officer at Belden's Tofino Security, says: "The Tofino Xenon is highly customisable. No matter the network engineer's needs, this firewall can meet the security requirements of different protocols, industries and environments. It is designed to be safely installed on a running network with no pre-configuration, and the hardware comes loaded with the required software. Our goal is for companies to build industrial security solutions their way."

Improved Configurator software

To configure and manage the Xenon appliances, Belden has also rolled out a complementary Windows-based management software. Tofino Configurator (TC 2.0) was developed with input from a major oil company and is designed to be faster and easier to use. Predefined templates enable the software to accommodate both basic and advanced network security needs. With a more intuitive user interface and simpler deployment process, TC 2.0 also easily integrates into third-party security products. Most importantly, it offers built-in guidance for easy, accurate rule creation by operations and engineering staff who may not be full-time network security experts.

Byres states: "With the configurator, we wanted to make the implementation process simple for both advanced users and those just beginning to manage network security. By using predefined templates, the TC 2.0 can intuitively propose a set of rules for the specific control products used in a facility. It meets each user where they are, to make industrial security easier to execute and manage."

While evolving its other products, Tofino Security also added a new loadable security module (LSM) to its offerings. The EtherNet/IP Enforcer LSM provides deep content inspection and analysis for the EtherNet/IP protocol, using Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). The DPI technology understands specific protocols and applies the appropriate filters to enforce proper security policies to offer fine-grained control of network traffic.

Follow the links for more information about the new Tofino Xenon and Tofino Configurator (TC 2.0).