How Can Celona’s Aerloc Enhance Security for Industrial 5G Networks?

Private 5G specialist Celona has recently unveiled Aerloc, an advanced suite of security features specifically designed for industrial customers deploying private 4G and 5G networks. This innovative development is crucial for industrial IoT settings, including manufacturing and energy production, where data latency, reliability, and security are of paramount importance. As industrial sectors increasingly rely on sophisticated connectivity solutions to maintain operational efficiency and integrate modern technologies, Aerloc promises to deliver a suite of enhancements to bolster security measures.

Addressing Industrial IoT Security Needs

Celona’s Aerloc suite aims to tackle pressing issues in industrial IoT environments, particularly the necessity for data to remain on-premises due to stringent low latency and high-security requirements. Traditional IT zero trust architectures often fall short in these scenarios because they usually necessitate data being sent to the cloud, a method that is not always practical for various industrial applications. In contrast, Aerloc is designed to unify IT, OT, and 5G into a cohesive system without compromising the distinct principles required to keep them separate. This integration ensures that security controls are easier to manage and administer while meeting the specific demands of industrial settings.

A standout feature of Aerloc is its common SIM-based authentication for both IT and OT devices. This eliminates the necessity for device-side IoT software or agents, significantly reducing overhead while maintaining high-level security. Integrating this directly into industrial environments is especially attractive due to the diverse range of devices that require secure access. Additionally, Aerloc integrates natively with a myriad of security platforms, including firewalls and network access control systems, ensuring seamless security across edge, cloud, and hybrid environments. These capabilities are vital for companies that need to secure their network infrastructure comprehensively.

Seamless Integration with Industry Leaders

Another significant advantage of Aerloc lies in its seamless integration via APIs with multiple firewalls, network access control (NAC) systems, and SD-WAN solutions across edge, cloud, and hybrid environments. It notably supports firewalls and policy platforms from industry-leading companies such as Palo Alto Networks, Cisco, and Aruba. This native compatibility ensures that Aerloc can fit into existing security frameworks with minimal disruption, thereby enhancing its appeal to industries looking for robust and interoperable security solutions. Moreover, Celona plans to expand its integration capabilities by partnering with additional leaders in the cybersecurity space, further enhancing Aerloc’s versatility and effectiveness.

Celona’s distributed policy enforcement feature works in tandem with various security assessment tools and orchestration platforms. This setup facilitates granular policy enforcement, allowing precise security measures to be applied at the level of individual devices or users. Such detailed control is essential for maintaining stringent industrial security protocols, ensuring that each element within the system is adequately protected. Furthermore, Celona’s proprietary micro-slicing technology offers a secure method to segment IT and OT traffic within the same private 5G network, both physically and logically. This segmentation maintains the integrity of critical operational data by keeping it separate from general enterprise traffic, thereby preserving both security and performance.

Leveraging Strategic Partnerships

To broaden the availability of its solutions, Celona has launched a three-tiered global sales channel partner scheme alongside a significant distribution agreement with TD SYNNEX. These strategic initiatives aim to attract new resellers and managed service providers, helping to extend Celona’s market reach. With approximately 150 global partners, Celona is poised to accelerate business opportunities within the burgeoning private 5G market. The collaboration between Celona and these partners underscores the potential for widespread deployment and adoption of advanced security solutions in various industries.

Prominent global system integrators such as NTT DATA, Capgemini, and Tech Mahindra are integral to this initiative, joined by several regional integrators like Future Technologies, GDT, Black Box, and INS. These entities are classified within Celona’s channel partner scheme, aiming to cover different regions and industries comprehensively. For instance, BP, a UK-based oil and gas giant, and US-based system integrator Insight are notable participants in this program. BP has deployed Celona’s private 5G solutions to boost its operational connectivity, with enterprise technology engineer Stefan Garrard emphasizing the importance of Celona’s new security features in maintaining operational integrity. Similarly, Jeremy Nelson of Insight highlighted Aerloc’s capabilities in addressing the critical gap between IT and OT networks, extending zero trust principles to essential operational areas.

A Global Presence with Local Impact

Celona, a specialist in private 5G technology, has recently introduced Aerloc, a cutting-edge suite of security features aimed at industrial clients using private 4G and 5G networks. This innovative solution addresses critical needs in industrial IoT environments, such as manufacturing and energy production, where data latency, reliability, and security are essential. In these sectors, seamless and secure connectivity is vital for maintaining operational efficiency and integrating modern technologies. As industries increasingly depend on advanced connectivity solutions, Aerloc aims to enhance security measures, offering a robust set of tools to safeguard data and operations. With Aerloc, industries can better protect their networks and ensure reliable communication across their IoT devices. This suite not only strengthens security but also helps to manage the complexities of network integration. By offering these enhancements, Celona is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of industrial 5G and IoT connectivity, ensuring that businesses can leverage the full potential of their private networks while maintaining stringent security standards.

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