Nozomi Networks has introduced the industry’s first OT and IoT security sensor that runs embedded within Mitsubishi Electric programmable logic controllers (PLCs). This groundbreaking solution, known as Arc Embedded, offers extensive real-time visibility and enhanced anomaly and threat detection. By integrating directly into industrial automation equipment, Arc Embedded aims to accelerate threat response times and bolster operational resilience.
Andrea Carcano, Nozomi Networks co-founder and CPO, emphasized the significance of this partnership. “We’re honored to partner with innovator and industry leader Mitsubishi Electric to bring Arc Embedded to their PLCs. This can transform how CISOs manage and protect critical infrastructure, extending security to and through industrial control systems, down to the field assets they manage.” He added that this collaboration would make it feasible to monitor and secure physical processes in real-time, ultimately improving the safety, security, and reliability of automation processes.
Kunihiko Kaga from Mitsubishi Electric recognized the importance of such solutions in their ongoing digital transformation journey. “Combining Mitsubishi Electric’s manufacturing-control and information-system security technologies with Nozomi Networks’ visualization and intrusion-detection technologies allows us both to contribute to a safer, more secure, and more sustainable society.”
A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a digital computer used for automating industrial processes, known for its reliability and ease of programming. The integration of Arc Embedded into Mitsubishi Electric’s advanced MELSEC iQ-R PLCs enables an unprecedented level of security, offering real-time monitoring and anomaly detection.
One critical advantage of this integration is the ability to monitor east-west activities at the PLC level. This can help organizations detect and mitigate cyber incidents before they escalate, protecting the entire industrial operations environment. In addition to real-time monitoring, Arc Embedded provides AI-powered protection, ensuring continuous learning and rapid response to threats.
Arc Embedded allows for comprehensive visibility and protection of devices connected to the PLC backplane. It can monitor module health, communication patterns, and configuration changes, enhancing the overall security framework. Available now on a subscription basis, this solution is poised to redefine OT and IoT security standards.
As industries continue to embrace automation, the PLC market is projected to reach $22 billion by 2030. This growth underscores the increasing demand for robust cybersecurity measures at the control level.
