Automated Cyber Defence for Industrial OT and IoT Networks

Introduction: A Shift in Industrial Cybersecurity

Industrial networks are increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyberattacks, and traditional IT security approaches often fail in operational technology (OT) environments. Nozomi Networks addresses this challenge with Nozomi Arc, a solution that moves from passive monitoring to automated, active threat prevention. This marks a significant step for critical infrastructure protection, combining endpoint security, network visibility, and threat containment in a unified platform.

Nozomi Arc: From Passive Detection to Active Defence

Originally launched in 2023, Nozomi Arc supports OT and IoT systems across Windows, Mac, and Linux endpoints. The latest release introduces automated threat prevention, allowing industrial organisations to contain and neutralise threats in real time. This approach reduces reliance on manual intervention, which is often too slow for high-stakes environments where operational uptime is critical.

Engineer Insight: In OT networks, even brief disruptions can have cascading effects. Automation at the endpoint level ensures that safety and production continuity remain uncompromised while defending against attacks.

Operational Modes Tailored to Risk Tolerance

Nozomi Arc now provides three flexible operational modes to suit different organisational requirements:

• Detection Mode: Non-disruptive monitoring for audits, compliance, and early warning.
• Quarantine Mode: Blocks malicious files and preserves them for forensic investigation.
• Delete Mode: Instantly removes threats to prevent further system compromise.

These modes enable organisations to balance security and operational risk. Unlike conventional IT agents, these OT-focused modes respect the critical nature of industrial control processes.

Threat Intelligence and Local Behavioural Analysis

The prevention engine leverages Nozomi Networks’ proprietary Threat Intelligence, enhanced optionally with Mandiant Threat Intelligence. The system interprets indicators of compromise through standard industry formats such as YARA, STIX, and SIGMA.

Engineer Insight: Behavioural analysis at the local endpoint level is key. In OT networks, network segmentation and safety requirements limit centralized detection capabilities. Local intelligence allows rapid, precise threat containment without risking system downtime.

Integration Across OT, IoT, and CPS Environments

Unlike standalone security solutions, Nozomi Arc is deeply integrated into the broader Nozomi Networks platform. This integration provides unified visibility and response capabilities across:

• Network infrastructure
• Endpoint devices
• Wireless communications

Such unified orchestration is essential in modern industrial environments, where cyber threats can traverse both IT and OT layers, often targeting operator workstations, HMIs, and control servers.

The OT Security Imperative

Data from MITRE ATT&CK for ICS shows that 72% of ICS attack techniques target key OT assets. Traditional IT security solutions are frequently unsuitable for OT due to safety and operational constraints, leaving critical devices vulnerable. Solutions like Nozomi Arc are therefore not just beneficial—they are essential for maintaining production integrity and operational resilience.

Engineer Insight: Integrating active threat prevention into OT networks is no longer optional. Industrial engineers must proactively incorporate cybersecurity measures into operational workflows, making threat containment a standard part of system design rather than an afterthought.