Digi International and Atsign are collaborating to secure Industry 4.0 with NoPorts on Digi’s IX40 cellular routers

This integration protects critical edge infrastructure better than with traditional methods, which can increase an organisation’s attack surface by exposing ports, enabling man-in-the-middle attacks and leaving data vulnerable.

This integration empowers Industry 4.0 deployments with robust and secure remote access, safeguarding critical edge infrastructure.

The advent of Industry 4.0 demands secure remote access to manage and monitor geographically dispersed edge devices. However, traditional methods can increase an organisation’s attack surface by exposing ports, enabling man-in-the-middle attacks, and leaving data vulnerable. Atsign’s NoPorts offers a solution to this problem with a different approach, ensuring robust security and mitigating the risks associated with conventional methods.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with Digi to bring NoPorts to Digi IX40 cellular routers,” said Barbara Tallent, CEO of Atsign. “This integration empowers organisations to leverage the power of edge computing while maintaining robust security at the critical first point of connection.”

NoPorts establishes a secure, zero-trust connection using cryptographic authentication and end-to-end encryption, specifically designed to extend secure access to devices on private networks, such as those behind Digi 5G routers. This eliminates the need for exposed internet-facing ports, reducing the attack surface for these often-critical devices.

Additionally, NoPorts offers several key benefits that address the challenges of managing remote access in industrial environments:

• Dynamic network compatibility: NoPorts eliminates the need for complex configurations such as static IP addresses, making it suitable for remotely accessing devices on dynamic networks such as 5G, regardless of their specific network location.
• Universal compatibility: Works seamlessly with various protocols (RDP, SSH and so on) used in industrial environments.
• Simplified management: Streamlines security processes and reduces configuration complexities associated with traditional remote access methods.
• Enhanced visibility: Provides granular control and real-time insights into remote access activities, ensuring authorised access and monitoring potential security threats.

“Digi is committed to providing secure and reliable connectivity for Industry 4.0 applications,” said Vitaly Kurduban, senior product manager at Digi. “Integrating NoPorts with Digi IX40 routers strengthens our offering by delivering unparalleled security for remote access, enabling our customers to confidently manage their distributed edge infrastructure.”

NoPorts is now available for purchase with Digi IX40 routers (www.digi.com/products/networking/cellular-routers/industrial/digi-ix40).

Atsign (Atsign.com) specialises in embedded security technology infrastructure, software and SDKs.

NoPorts (NoPorts.com) simplifies and secures remote access for organisations of all sizes. With a zero-trust architecture, end-to-end encryption ensuring data privacy and the elimination of network attack surfaces, NoPorts offers a secure tunnel for remote access.

Digi (www.digi.com) is a provider of IoT connectivity products and services. It helps companies create connected products and deploy and manage critical communications infrastructures in demanding environments with high levels of security and reliability. Founded in 1985, Digi has helped its customers connect more than 100 million things.