SCADA and ICS Security: How Fortinet Protects Industrial Networks

The security challenges facing Operational Technology (OT) and Industrial Control Systems (ICS)—including SCADA platforms—are unique. Unlike IT networks, where data confidentiality is paramount, OT mandates safety, system availability, and minimal latency above all else. Attacks on these systems, often employing highly sophisticated malware like Stuxnet, can lead to physical damage, production disruption, and threats to public safety.

This guide explores how Fortinet’s integrated Security Fabric approach specifically protects modern industrial networks, addressing the pain points of OT administrators, security engineers, and procurement experts.

Table of Contents

• Part 1: Industrial Network Security Challenges
• Part 2: Fortinet Solutions for ICS/SCADA
• Part 3: Deployment and Best Practices
• Part 4: Product Mapping and Vendor Insights
• Part 5: FAQ on SCADA and ICS Security

Part 1: Industrial Network Security Challenges

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) are instrumental in industries such as manufacturing, energy, water treatment, and transportation. While they boost productivity and efficiency, their mission-critical nature makes them prime targets.

Common SCADA and ICS Threats

ICS and SCADA systems are susceptible to specific cyberattacks, including malware and ransomware that target control systems to demand ransom or disrupt operations. Other threats include "Man-in-the-Middle Attacks", "Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks," and "Data tampering" designed to manipulate processes or mislead operators.

Lessons from real-world incidents, such as the Stuxnet worm that targeted PLC controllers, BlackEnergy malware that disrupted Ukraine's power grid, and the Triton/Trisis malware that aimed to manipulate safety systems (SIS), underscore the need for sophisticated, layered defense strategies.

OT vs IT Security Gaps

Operational Technology (OT) includes the hardware and software that directly monitors and controls physical processes and devices. OT security differs significantly from traditional IT security due to inherent challenges:

1. Legacy Systems: Many ICS installations rely on outdated technology that was not designed with cybersecurity in mind, leaving them vulnerable to attacks. FortiEDR, for example, is noted to provide protection to end-of-life systems that other vendors might not support, including those dating back to Windows XP and Server 2003.
2. IT/OT Convergence: OT systems were historically isolated, but the convergence of IT and OT networks has increased their exposure to online threats like malware and ransomware attacks.

 

Regulatory and Compliance Considerations

OT security is crucial for safeguarding industrial operations and ensuring the uninterrupted operation of physical processes. SCADA security, which focuses on real-time data collection and control, is directly linked to public safety and service continuity. Fortinet addresses compliance, such as aiding organizations in maintaining compliance with NERC-CIP standards.

Part 2: Fortinet Solutions for ICS/SCADA

Fortinet offers a specialized suite of products and services, including Ruggedized Products, specifically designed for Secure Operational Technology (OT). These solutions integrate into the broader Fortinet Security Fabric.

Industrial Firewalls and IDS/IPS

Fortinet's core security defense is provided by its Next-Generation Firewalls (FortiGate). These firewalls are enhanced by AI-Powered Security Services offered through FortiGuard, which includes critical features necessary for OT environments:

• Intrusion Prevention Service (IPS): Used to identify and block unauthorized access.
• Antivirus: Protects against the latest malware and viruses.

OT Network Segmentation and Micro-Segmentation

Network Segmentation is listed as an essential practice for ICS/SCADA security. By dividing the network into separate zones, industrial networks can be isolated from corporate IT networks, thereby limiting the spread of potential breaches.

Fortinet provides solutions to enforce and manage granular segmentation:

• FortiNAC-F (Network Access Control for OT): This Zero Trust Access (ZTA) solution strengthens ICS/SCADA systems by overseeing and protecting all digital assets connected to the network. FortiNAC-F provides comprehensive visibility, control, and automated response.
• Microsegmentation: FortiNAC-F supports Microsegmentation capabilities.

 

Integration with FortiManager and FortiAnalyzer

To address the complexity of managing policies across a vast OT environment, Fortinet solutions provide centralized control:

• Centralized Management: Products like FortiManager and FortiManager Cloud are utilized for orchestration and management. FortiAnalyzer and FortiAnalyzer Cloud handle logging and reporting, supporting Security Operations Automation.
• Automated Response Orchestration: FortiEDR integrates tightly with the Security Fabric. For example, if a threat is detected on an OT system, an automated playbook can block the malicious IP address at the perimeter firewall (FortiGate) in near real-time. This orchestration can extend across FortiGate, FortiNAC, FortiSandbox, and FortiSIEM.

 

Part 3: Deployment and Best Practices

Securing ICS/SCADA systems requires adherence to stringent best practices to ensure continuous availability and resilience.

Step-by-Step Deployment in OT Environments

Effective deployment in OT environments focuses on segregation and hardening:

1. Network Segmentation: Divide the network into separate zones to limit the spread of breaches.
2. Access Control: Implement role-based access controls (RBAC) using the least privilege principle, restricting access to sensitive systems to only authorized personnel.
3. Monitoring Tools: Deploy Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and continuous logging to monitor network traffic for threats in real-time.

Threat Detection and Incident Response

Robust threat detection capabilities are key because OT environments cannot tolerate the malware dwell time seen in IT networks.

• Advanced Detection: Fortinet offers Network Detection and Response (NDR) and SOC Analytics for OT security operations.
• Incident Response: Organizations must develop, test, and update a comprehensive Incident Response Plan specifically tailored to ICS/SCADA environments, detailing procedures for detection, containment, eradication, and recovery. Fortinet also offers Incident Response as an Expert Service.

 

Ensuring Minimal Latency and High Availability

Because ICS systems are built for High Reliability and real-time operations, security measures must not degrade performance. When choosing a solution, key features to consider include Real-Time Monitoring, Encryption to protect data in transit, and regular patching and updates to address vulnerabilities without causing disruption. FortiEDR's design is noted for its kernel-based design that provides continuous protection with less than 2% of system resources.

Part 4: Product Mapping and Vendor Insights

Comparing Fortinet with Competitors

Fortinet is recognized in the market for its leadership in securing OT environments, having been named Overall Leader in the IT/OT Network Protection Platform Navigator 2025 report from Westlands Advisory.

For organizations performing large-scale migration projects, Fortinet offers the FortiConverter tool, which simplifies the process of migrating complex firewall configurations from multiple vendors, including Cisco and Juniper, to Fortinet solutions. This standardization minimizes human error during the conversion process.

Multi-Brand Procurement and Router-switch Advantages

While Fortinet focuses on unified security, its Security Fabric is designed to integrate with a large ecosystem of Alliance Partners. Multi-vendor purchases are supported through interoperable solutions, which can be managed and orchestrated using FortiSOAR and FortiSIEM.

Partnering with a reliable supplier like Router-switch can offer procurement advantages for OT equipment:

• Global Inventory: Ensuring rapid access to specialized or ruggedized products.
• Genuine Product Guarantee: Essential for critical infrastructure, as Fortinet advises downloading all software and firmware only from the official Customer Service & Support portal to ensure authenticity.
• One-stop Procurement: Simplifying purchasing across diverse Fortinet products, including FortiGate/FortiOS, FortiSwitch, and management platforms like FortiManager.

Part 5: FAQ on SCADA and ICS Security

What is ICS/SCADA network security?

ICS/SCADA security involves implementing measures to protect industrial control systems (ICS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems from cyber threats. This specialized area aims to ensure the integrity and availability of control devices like PLCs and the continuous, safe operation of physical industrial processes. SCADA security, as a subset of ICS security, is specifically focused on the systems used for real-time data collection and process control.

How does Fortinet protect OT devices?

Fortinet protects OT devices through Secure Operational Technology solutions, including Ruggedized Products and a dedicated OT Security Service. Protection is achieved through key components of the Security Fabric, such as FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls, FortiNAC-F for Zero Trust Network Access (NAC for OT), and FortiEDR, which supports manufacturing and OT systems.

Can industrial firewalls coexist with legacy PLCs?

Yes, addressing the security of legacy systems is a major concern because they lack modern security features. Fortinet’s strategy addresses this through Network Segmentation (isolating the legacy devices) and by deploying agents like FortiEDR, which provides full feature parity and protection to operating systems as far back as Windows XP and Server 2003.

How to choose the right Fortinet solution for your plant?

When choosing a solution, key features to consider include Real-Time Monitoring, Network Segmentation, Intrusion Detection and Prevention, Encryption, Access Controls, and Incident Response capabilities. Fortinet’s portfolio includes high-level support options like Professional Services and Advanced Support which provide consulting, design, and deployment guidance to match solutions to your unique business goals and compliance requirements.

Are multi-vendor purchases feasible and supported?

Yes. Fortinet’s Security Fabric integrates with a wide range of Alliance Partners. Fortinet specifically facilitates multi-vendor environments via the FortiConverter tool, which streamlines the migration of complex firewall configurations from other vendors like Cisco and Juniper. Furthermore, FortiEDR integrates with third-party solutions for automated response orchestration.