Solution Brief - NetFoundry

Zero Trust API Security: Securing B2B APIs with NetFoundry

Tod Burtchell — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 13:30:46 +0000

Solution Brief

Zero Trust API Security: Securing B2B APIs with NetFoundry

Executive Summary

In today’s interconnected digital world, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) play a crucial role in enabling data exchange and service integration across organizations. As their usage expands, APIs are increasingly becoming targets for cyberattacks, especially when they are publicly exposed. Traditional security solutions like firewalls and VPNs struggle to effectively secure APIs, leaving companies vulnerable to breaches that can result in costly data losses and compliance issues.

NetFoundry’s Zero Trust API solution addresses these challenges by removing APIs from public internet exposure. This innovative approach leverages a software-based overlay network, embedding zero trust principles without relying on traditional security models. This white paper explores the nature of API vulnerabilities, the limitations of current solutions, and how NetFoundry’s solution enables centralized, secure, and high-performance API connectivity. By eliminating the need for VPNs, firewalls, and manual security management, businesses can better protect their API traffic and streamline their security infrastructure.

Secure API Connections

Protect your APIs with NetFoundry’s Zero Trust solution, eliminating public exposure and securing data exchanges across networks.

API Security Evolution

Stay ahead of API threats with NetFoundry’s Zero Trust solution—securing your APIs beyond traditional methods for seamless and safe digital transformation.

Why We Need Zero Trust API Security

B2B VPNs have served as the backbone of secure access for MSPs. Yet, as digital demands grow, VPNs present challenges that impede their ability to support the modern security needs of MSPs:

Security Vulnerabilities

VPNs operate on perimeter-based models, often granting broad network access. This allows lateral movement, increasing exposure to cyber threats. NetFoundry’s AppNets revolutionize this by eliminating the network connection entirely—attackers can’t exploit what they can’t reach.

Operational Complexity

Configuring VPNs across multiple clients requires managing IP allow lists, firewall rules, and individual VPN connections. AppNets replace these with outbound-only, zero-trust microsegmentation, significantly reducing administrative burden by simplifying connectivity across environments.

Performance Bottlenecks

VPNs use point-to-point connections that can become bottlenecks, impacting performance and user experience. AppNets, by contrast, provide a full-mesh overlay network with end-to-end control, minimizing latency and maintaining high-performance connectivity, even under heavy loads.

Compliance and Audit Limitations

Regulatory demands like GDPR and HIPAA require granular access control and audit trails. B2B VPNs fall short here, as they lack session-specific controls. AppNets provide session-level permissions and detailed logging, enhancing MSPs’ ability to maintain compliance.

Problem Statement

Modern APIs are particularly vulnerable due to a combination of factors:

Public Exposure: APIs are often publicly accessible, making them easy targets for attacks. Traditional security methods leave open doors that attackers can exploit, such as exposed IPs or endpoints.
Unique Configurations: APIs are often customized, creating unique “snowflake” configurations that require specific protections. This uniqueness makes it challenging to apply a one-size-fits-all security approach, increasing the likelihood of vulnerabilities.
Rapid Updates: APIs evolve quickly, and development teams constantly push new updates to maintain functionality or add features. This rapid pace makes it difficult for security teams to keep up, often resulting in unpatched vulnerabilities.
Operational Complexity: Traditional security measures for APIs require extensive patching, monitoring, and configuration management. This complexity drains IT resources and increases the risk of human error.

Real-world examples reveal the impact of API vulnerabilities (See OWASO Top 10 API Security Risks). In recent years, several high-profile breaches have exposed sensitive data through poorly secured APIs, resulting in significant financial and reputational damages (8 Significant Recent API Breaches). These incidents underscore the need for a new approach to API security.

API Vulnerabilities

Protect your APIs from exposure, complexity, and rapid updates. NetFoundry’s Zero Trust solution offers adaptive security for today’s evolving API challenges.

Zero Trust Protection

Secure your B2B APIs with NetFoundry’s Zero Trust solution—private overlay network, Ziti architecture, and mTLS encryption keep your data hidden and safe.

Solution Overview

NetFoundry’s Zero Trust API solution is purpose-built to secure B2B APIs by removing their exposure to the internet entirely. Rather than relying on VPNs, firewalls, or other traditional security tools, NetFoundry’s solution leverages a software-based overlay network to create private, secure connectivity. This Zero Trust approach ensures that only authorized and authenticated endpoints can access APIs, shielding them from potential attackers.

Key Components:

Dedicated Software-Based Overlay Network: NetFoundry’s overlay network privatizes API traffic without the need for a traditional private network, hiding APIs from the public internet.
Embedded Ziti Architecture: The Ziti framework, embedded in NetFoundry’s solution, enables zero trust by allowing only pre-authorized entities to access APIs. Ziti prevents unauthorized access and hides API endpoints from potential attackers.
End-to-End Encryption: All API data is encrypted in transit, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure from interception or tampering. NetFoundry employs end-to-end encryption using mutual TLS (mTLS) to secure data transmitted across its network. This ensures that data is encrypted at the source, securely transmitted, and decrypted only at the destination, maintaining confidentiality and integrity throughout the communication process.
Centralized Control and Compliance: NetFoundry’s management interface, NetFoundry Console, provides administrators with centralized control, making it easier to enforce compliance, manage access, and monitor API activity.

Technical Details

Dedicated Overlay Network

At the heart of NetFoundry’s Zero Trust API solution is a software-based overlay network. This network operates independently of the public internet, meaning that APIs are not visible or accessible to unauthorized users. The overlay network routes traffic directly from authenticated endpoints to the API, ensuring secure data exchange.

Ziti Architecture

Ziti is an open-source framework, OpenZiti, that integrates zero trust security directly into the connectivity layer. By embedding Ziti in NetFoundry’s solution, APIs become invisible to the internet. Access is granted only to devices and users authenticated through the network, effectively “darkening” the API from potential attackers.

End-to-End Encryption

Every packet of data within the overlay network is encrypted, making it nearly impossible for attackers to intercept or alter the information. This encryption is applied automatically, requiring minimal configuration.

Granular Access Control

The centralized control interface enables administrators to define access policies at a granular level, allowing only specific users or applications to access certain APIs. This reduces the attack surface and enforces compliance with regulatory standards.

Invisible API Security

NetFoundry’s overlay network with Ziti integration makes APIs invisible to attackers. Ensure secure, encrypted, and controlled access with Zero Trust protection.

Benefits and Advantages

NetFoundry’s Zero Trust API solution provides significant advantages over traditional approaches:

Improved Security

By removing APIs from public exposure, NetFoundry dramatically reduces the likelihood of an API being targeted in an attack.

Scalability

The software-based nature of the overlay network allows organizations to scale API access as needed without the limitations of physical infrastructure.

Reduced Complexity

This solution eliminates the need for VPNs, firewalls, and other complex configurations. With centralized management, IT teams can control API access without extensive configuration or monitoring.

Cost Efficiency

Lower operational complexity translates into reduced costs for organizations, as fewer resources are required to maintain API security.

Compared to traditional VPN or firewall solutions, NetFoundry’s Zero Trust API approach delivers more robust security and operational simplicity, making it ideal for modern business environments.

Easy Deployment

Deploy NetFoundry’s Zero Trust API solution seamlessly—minimal hardware, quick integration, and full support for smooth, secure implementation.

Implementation Considerations

To deploy NetFoundry’s Zero Trust API solution, businesses should be aware of the following:

System Prerequisites: Compatible with most network and application environments, the overlay network can be deployed quickly, requiring minimal hardware.
Integration Steps: The solution integrates seamlessly with existing APIs, allowing businesses to implement Zero Trust without extensive reconfiguration.
Challenges and Mitigations: While Zero Trust may be a new approach for some teams, NetFoundry provides resources and support for quick adoption and training.

Zero Trust API Security

The rapid adoption of APIs in various industries underscores the need for robust API security that traditional methods cannot provide. NetFoundry’s Zero Trust API solution offers a transformative approach by removing APIs from internet exposure, privatizing access through an overlay network, and embedding zero trust principles. By protecting APIs without compromising performance, NetFoundry empowers businesses to operate securely, efficiently, and in compliance with industry standards. Organizations ready to enhance their API security should consider exploring NetFoundry’s solution for a scalable, cost-effective path to zero trust.

Transform API Security

Upgrade to NetFoundry’s Zero Trust solution—secure APIs without internet exposure or performance trade-offs, ensuring compliance and efficiency at scale.

FAQs

Can NetFoundry’s Zero Trust API solution work alongside existing security protocols? Yes, it can complement existing protocols, offering an additional layer of security without requiring changes to current configurations or changes to the underlay network.
What is required to scale the network as API demand grows? NetFoundry’s solution is inherently scalable due to its software-defined nature, allowing businesses to expand API access without costly hardware upgrades. The NetFoundry Cloud offers an Internet-overlay network using over 150 Points of Presence around the world.
How does NetFoundry’s solution support compliance requirements?
NetFoundry’s centralized control allows businesses to enforce granular access policies, making it easier to meet regulatory standards and audit requirements.
What impact does the Zero Trust API solution have on performance?
NetFoundry’s solution is designed for low latency and high performance, ensuring secure connections without compromising speed or user experience.
What type of encryption does NetFoundry use? NetFoundry employs end-to-end encryption using mutual TLS (mTLS) to secure data transmitted across its network. This ensures that data is encrypted at the source, securely transmitted, and decrypted only at the destination, maintaining confidentiality and integrity throughout the communication process.
How does NetFoundry’s solution differ from traditional VPNs? NetFoundry’s solution privatizes API traffic through an overlay network, eliminating the need for VPNs, which can introduce vulnerabilities and complexity.

The post Zero Trust API Security: Securing B2B APIs with NetFoundry appeared first on NetFoundry.

Transitioning from B2B VPNs to AppNets – The Modern MSP Approach to Secure Access

Michael Kochanik — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 02:19:21 +0000

NetFoundry

Resources

Solution Brief

Transitioning from B2B VPNs to AppNets – The Modern MSP Approach to Secure Access

Solution Brief

Introduction: The State of the Managed Services Industry

As digital transformation reshapes industries, managed service providers (MSPs) are increasingly tasked with securing access across diverse customer environments. With the rapid adoption of cloud and hybrid infrastructures, MSPs face the challenge of protecting client data while managing a variety of IT resources, from on-premises systems to multi-cloud setups. Traditionally, MSPs have relied on B2B VPNs (Business-to-Business Virtual Private Networks) as the go-to solution for secure remote access. However, the cybersecurity landscape demands a more advanced approach—one that supports zero-trust principles, increases scalability, and reduces operational complexity.

With NetFoundry’s AppNets, MSPs can transition from traditional B2B VPNs to a modern, session-specific zero trust connectivity model. AppNets eliminate network connections, removing traditional attack pathways and embedding security directly into each session. This white paper explores how AppNets provide a robust alternative to B2B VPNs for MSPs managing complex, multi-network environments.

Secure Access Revolution

Discover how NetFoundry’s AppNets empower MSPs to embrace zero-trust connectivity, enhancing data protection while simplifying multi-cloud and hybrid IT management.

VPNs: The Limits

Explore how traditional B2B VPNs struggle to meet the evolving security demands of MSPs.

Challenges with B2B VPNs in Managed Services

B2B VPNs have served as the backbone of secure access for MSPs. Yet, as digital demands grow, VPNs present challenges that impede their ability to support the modern security needs of MSPs:

Security Vulnerabilities: VPNs operate on perimeter-based models, often granting broad network access. This allows lateral movement, increasing exposure to cyber threats. NetFoundry’s AppNets revolutionize this by eliminating the network connection entirely—attackers can’t exploit what they can’t reach.
Operational Complexity: Configuring VPNs across multiple clients requires managing IP allow lists, firewall rules, and individual VPN connections. AppNets replace these with outbound-only, zero-trust microsegmentation, significantly reducing administrative burden by simplifying connectivity across environments.
Performance Bottlenecks: VPNs use point-to-point connections that can become bottlenecks, impacting performance and user experience. AppNets, by contrast, provide a full-mesh overlay network with end-to-end control, minimizing latency and maintaining high-performance connectivity, even under heavy loads.
Compliance and Audit Limitations: Regulatory demands like GDPR and HIPAA require granular access control and audit trails. B2B VPNs fall short here, as they lack session-specific controls. AppNets provide session-level permissions and detailed logging, enhancing MSPs’ ability to maintain compliance.

What NetFoundry’s AppNets Offer

NetFoundry’s AppNets offer an advanced, zero-trust approach to secure connectivity that eliminates network connections, enabling MSPs to provide secure, reliable access in multi-cloud and on-premises client environments. An AppNet is a software-defined segment of a NetFoundry overlay network dedicated to a specific application with access defined by a unique set of Identities, Services, and Policies. In the zero trust realm, this is called microsegmentation. AppNets fundamentally rethink network security by connecting specific sessions, not networks, effectively shielding client assets.

Zero Trust Microsegmentation

AppNets use identity-based, session-specific access, ensuring only authorized users or devices can connect. This zero-trust microsegmentation drastically reduces the attack surface by eliminating inbound network ports.

Software-Defined Connectivity

AppNets require no hardware dependencies, making them scalable and easily manageable as software. This software-only model lets MSPs deploy secure networking without physical infrastructure, cutting costs and simplifying operations.

One-Way Network Architecture

AppNet endpoints initiate outbound-only connections, which keeps inbound ports closed. This one-way model acts like a data diode, allowing secure bidirectional data flows without exposing the network.

Programmable and Flexible

With APIs and SDKs, AppNets fit seamlessly into DevOps and CI/CD workflows, giving MSPs the flexibility to customize connectivity and meet unique client requirements.

How NetFoundry Works

Identity-First Connectivity™ with a secure Overlay Network and End-to-End Encryption

MSP Advantage Unlocked

Discover how NetFoundry’s AppNets outpace B2B VPNs with enhanced security, streamlined operations, and unmatched scalability.

Why MSPs Should Replace Traditional B2B VPNs with AppNets

For MSPs, NetFoundry’s AppNets provide a clear advantage over B2B VPNs in terms of security, efficiency, and scalability:

Eliminated Security Risks: Unlike VPNs, which grant broad network access, AppNets use session-specific connectivity. This prevents lateral movement and protects sensitive data, even if credentials are compromised. By removing traditional network connections, AppNets address the root cause of many cyberattacks.
Reduced Operational Complexity and Cost: With AppNets, MSPs avoid complex configurations associated with VPNs. AppNets are easy to manage via software, reducing overhead and freeing resources. By replacing hardware and bolted-on security measures with secure, software-defined connectivity, MSPs improve efficiency and lower costs.
Improved Performance and Scalability: Built for high-performance applications, AppNets provide dedicated overlay networks that can adapt to multi-cloud and on-premises environments. With a full-mesh, self-healing design, AppNets ensure optimal data routing, performance, and availability.
Flexibility and Rapid Deployment: AppNets are versatile, supporting a variety of endpoints—IoT devices, servers, OT systems, firewalls, and more. They can be spun up in minutes and managed centrally, providing MSPs with the agility to quickly address client needs without network dependencies.

How AppNets Work – Design Principles

NetFoundry’s AppNets are built on three core principles that address MSPs’ needs for simplicity, security, and reliability:

Simplicity: AppNets are designed to be easy for authorized users to access and simple for administrators to manage. Users range from people to OT devices, and AppNets integrate seamlessly into diverse IT ecosystems.
Security by Design: AppNets eliminate network connections, embedding security into each session rather than trying to secure the network perimeter. This approach supports granular controls and ensures only authorized sessions gain access.
Reliability and Performance: AppNets operate on NetFoundry’s zero-trust overlay mesh, providing end-to-end encryption, self-healing capabilities, and optimal routing. This network control enables AppNets to deliver high-performance connectivity while minimizing latency.

Core Principles Empowered

NetFoundry’s AppNets prioritize simplicity, security, and reliability.

AppNets Are Reliable, Resilient, and Performant

AppNets provide a dedicated overlay network that connects authorized sessions directly, bypassing the limitations of B2B VPNs. This architecture offers several advantages for MSPs:

Self-Healing

The NetFoundry Fabric dynamically routes data through optimal paths, leveraging the world’s best tier-one backbones for high-speed, resilient connectivity.

Comprehensive Visibility and Control

By combining SD-WAN and ZTNA principles, AppNets give MSPs deep visibility into application- and network-level telemetry. This holistic view improves diagnostics, monitoring, and compliance tracking.

Identity-First Overlay Networks

Centrally Manage All Your Client Networks

NetFoundry empowers MSPs to centrally manage all client networks and AppNets seamlessly through the NetFoundry Console. This unified interface allows MSPs to control connectivity, enforce security policies, and monitor network performance across diverse client environments from a single, centralized platform. With real-time visibility and detailed telemetry, MSPs can proactively manage network configurations, ensure compliance, and instantly scale secure connections without needing complex VPN configurations or hardware. The console’s intuitive design and automation capabilities streamline operations, enabling MSPs to deliver secure, zero-trust connectivity efficiently and flexibly for each client’s unique needs.

The NetFoundry Console is a comprehensive management and orchestration platform designed to simplify the deployment and administration of secure, high-performance overlay networks. Key features include:

Network Configuration: Set up and manage NetFoundry networks, including the creation and oversight of endpoints, edge routers, and AppNets.
Identity Management: Administer identities and access policies to enforce zero-trust security principles, encompassing the creation of identities, role assignments, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) configurations.
Service Policies: Define and manage service policies that dictate how services are accessed within the network, ensuring secure and controlled connectivity.
Monitoring and Visibility: Monitor network performance and health through real-time metrics and status updates, providing insights into network activity and facilitating issue troubleshooting.
Automated Deployment: Rapidly deploy secure, application-specific networks (AppNets) across cloud environments using pre-built integrations with platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
Customization and Branding: Tailor the console with organizational branding, including vanity URLs and logos, to maintain a consistent brand identity within the management interface.
Security and Compliance: Implement zero-trust principles with features like identity-based microsegmentation, end-to-end encryption, and continuous authentication to enhance security and compliance.
Integration with DevOps Tools: Support integration with DevOps tools such as Jenkins, Ansible, Terraform, and CloudFormation, enabling automated deployment and management of network resources within CI/CD pipelines.

Centralized Network Control

Empower your MSP operations with the NetFoundry Console—a unified platform for managing AppNets and client networks.

Elevate Your Network

Transition from outdated B2B VPNs to NetFoundry’s AppNets for a secure, efficient, and high-performance networking solution.

Conclusion: Embracing a New Standard for MSP Security and Connectivity

For MSPs managing complex client environments, traditional B2B VPNs struggle to meet today’s security, performance, and compliance demands. NetFoundry’s AppNets offer a future-proof alternative, replacing network connections with session-specific connectivity that reduces the attack surface and improves operational efficiency. AppNets enable MSPs to deliver secure, flexible, and high-performance connectivity, positioning them to lead in a perimeterless future where secure, resilient data flow is paramount.

By adopting AppNets, MSPs can elevate their security posture, simplify management, and deliver a seamless client experience, paving the way for a new era of secure, software-defined networking.

The post Transitioning from B2B VPNs to AppNets – The Modern MSP Approach to Secure Access appeared first on NetFoundry.

Zero Trust for IoT: The Essential Strategy for Securing Industrial, Consumer, and Smart Technologies

Bill Zujewski — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:22:01 +0000

NetFoundry

Resources

Solution Brief

Zero Trust for IoT: The Essential Strategy for Securing Industrial, Consumer, and Smart Technologies

Solution Brief

Zero Trust IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed both industrial and consumer landscapes by enabling interconnected devices to communicate and share data seamlessly. However, as IoT connectivity expands, so do the security risks, highlighting the limitations of traditional perimeter-based security models in protecting dynamic, distributed IoT environments. Adopting a Zero Trust for IoT security framework is essential for safeguarding IoT networks and maximizing the potential of IoT-driven solutions.

Understanding Zero Trust in IoT

Zero Trust is a security paradigm that operates on the principle of “never trust, always verify.” In IoT, this approach requires every device, user, and network component to be authenticated and authorized before access is granted. By restricting network access to only verified entities, Zero Trust reduces the risk of unauthorized access, data breaches, and unintended interference, making it an ideal framework for securing IoT ecosystems.

Securing IoT with Zero Trust

Protect IoT networks with Zero Trust—authenticate every device, user, and connection for safe, reliable, and breach-resistant IoT environments.

Zero Trust IoT Applications

Enhance IoT security across industries with Zero Trust—protect smart factories, critical infrastructure, healthcare, and even smart homes by restricting access to verified devices only.

Use Cases

Industrial

Implementing Zero Trust in IoT is particularly beneficial in industrial settings. For example:

Smart Manufacturing: In a factory equipped with IoT sensors and machinery, NetFoundry’s Zero Trust solution ensures that only authorized devices and users can access critical systems, preventing unauthorized interventions that could disrupt operations.
Remote Monitoring: Industrial equipment often requires remote monitoring and maintenance. Zero Trust enables secure remote access without relying on traditional VPNs, which can be complex and less secure.
Energy and Utilities Management: Zero Trust secures IoT devices within power grids and water systems, preventing unauthorized access and service disruptions, protecting critical infrastructure, and ensuring safe delivery of essential resources like electricity, water, and gas.
Warehouse and Distribution with Robotics: In automated warehouses, Zero Trust secures IoT-connected robots and RFID scanners, restricting access to authorized systems. This prevents disruptions, protects inventory data, and ensures safe, uninterrupted operation, optimizing inventory management, picking, and packing processes in distribution centers.

Non-industrial

Zero Trust isn’t just for industrial environments. Many consumer-oriented IoT products, from smart homes to connected vehicles, also benefit from Zero Trust security, addressing unique security and privacy needs.

Smart Homes: Home automation devices like smart speakers, security systems, and appliances provide convenience but also expose households to vulnerabilities. A Zero Trust approach for smart homes ensures that only authorized users and devices can access critical functions, like unlocking doors or accessing cameras, safeguarding personal privacy and security.
Connected Vehicles: IoT in automotive technology enables features such as remote diagnostics, over-the-air updates, and autonomous driving functions. However, this connectivity poses risks if vehicle systems are compromised. Zero Trust limits vehicle access to authenticated systems and users, ensuring that critical functions like braking or steering cannot be manipulated by unauthorized parties.
Smart Cities: IoT is essential for managing urban infrastructure such as traffic lights, water distribution, and energy grids. By implementing Zero Trust, cities can protect these critical assets from tampering, ensuring that services remain reliable and safe, and minimizing the impact of cyber threats on public safety.
Healthcare Devices: From wearable fitness trackers to remote health monitoring systems, IoT is prevalent in healthcare. By adopting Zero Trust for these devices, healthcare providers can maintain patient privacy, prevent unauthorized data access, and ensure that devices operate securely, especially in sensitive environments like hospitals.

Challenges in IoT Security

IoT devices often lack robust security features, making them vulnerable to various threats. Common challenges include:

Device Vulnerabilities: Many IoT devices are designed with minimal security considerations, leading to exploitable weaknesses.
Unsecured Networks: IoT devices frequently operate over unsecured networks, exposing data to interception and tampering.
Lack of Centralized Control: The decentralized nature of IoT makes it difficult to implement consistent security policies across all devices.

Overcome IoT Security Gaps

Address device vulnerabilities, unsecured networks, and decentralized control with NetFoundry’s Zero Trust solution for comprehensive IoT protection.

NetFoundry’s Zero Trust Solution for IoT

NetFoundry offers a comprehensive Zero Trust solution tailored for IoT environments. Key features include:

Identity-Based Access

Each IoT device is assigned a unique identity, ensuring that only authenticated devices can communicate within the network.

Secure Communication Channels

Data transmitted between devices and applications is encrypted end-to-end, protecting it from interception and tampering.

Centralized Management

Administrators can define and enforce security policies across all IoT devices from a single platform, simplifying management and ensuring consistency.

IoT-Driven Manufacturing

Gain a competitive edge with IoT and Zero Trust security—enhance product value, customer experience, compliance, and operational efficiency in manufacturing.

IoT as a Competitive Advantage for Manufacturers

For manufacturers, embracing IoT is more than a technological upgrade—it’s a pathway to gaining a competitive edge. By integrating IoT capabilities with Zero Trust security, manufacturers can boost productivity, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver higher-value products with built-in security.

Enhanced Product Value: Connected devices provide added value through features like predictive maintenance, remote diagnostics, and performance optimization. By embedding secure connectivity from the outset, manufacturers offer products that not only operate efficiently but also reassure customers with resilient, safe solutions.
Improved Customer Experience: With secure IoT devices, manufacturers can deliver seamless remote support and updates, resulting in better customer satisfaction and reduced downtime. A Zero Trust IoT approach guarantees that these services remain reliable and free from tampering or unauthorized access.
Streamlined Compliance and Reduced Liability: Manufacturers producing IoT-enabled equipment must comply with industry regulations, including data protection and safety standards. Zero Trust frameworks provide an easy route to regulatory compliance by enforcing consistent security policies and reducing the risk of breaches, thus lowering liability and enhancing brand trust.
Optimized Operational Efficiency: Securely interconnected machinery and sensors can optimize production lines and supply chains through real-time data sharing and analysis. By protecting these connections with Zero Trust, manufacturers ensure that critical systems remain resilient, tamper-proof, and constantly operational, even under potential cyber threats.

Technical Implementation

NetFoundry’s Zero Trust framework integrates seamlessly with existing IoT infrastructures. The implementation involves:

Embedding Security: NetFoundry’s solution can be embedded directly into IoT devices or applications, providing inherent security without the need for additional hardware.
Microsegmentation: The network is divided into smaller segments, each with its own security policies, limiting the potential impact of a compromised device.
Continuous Monitoring: The system continuously monitors device behavior and network traffic, allowing for real-time detection and response to anomalies.

Seamless IoT Security

Embed NetFoundry’s Zero Trust—integrate security, microsegmentation, and continuous monitoring for resilient and protected IoT infrastructures.

Zero Trust IoT Advantages

Achieve robust security, compliance, and scalability—protect IoT networks with enhanced visibility, breach containment, and trusted IT infrastructure.

Benefits of Zero Trust for IoT

Adopting a Zero Trust approach in IoT environments offers several advantages:

Enhanced Security: By verifying every access request, Zero Trust minimizes the attack surface and reduces the risk of both external attacks and insider threats.
Improved Compliance: Zero Trust helps organizations meet stringent regulatory requirements for data protection by implementing strict access controls and data security measures.
Reduced Data Breach Impact: By segmenting the network and applying least-privilege access controls, Zero Trust limits how much damage a potential breach can cause, as attackers can’t easily move laterally across the network.
Greater Visibility and Control: Continuous monitoring and logging of all network and user activities enhance visibility into network traffic and user behavior, enabling more effective detection and response to anomalies.
Scalability and Flexibility: Zero Trust architectures are adaptable to varying network environments, including cloud and hybrid systems, making them suitable for modern, dynamic IT ecosystems.
Increased Trust in IT Environment: With robust security measures in place, stakeholders can have greater confidence in the IT environment’s ability to protect sensitive data and systems.

Conclusion

As IoT becomes integral to modern life across industrial and consumer landscapes, protecting these networks becomes increasingly critical. NetFoundry’s Zero Trust solution provides a robust framework to protect IoT environments from evolving cyber threats, ensuring secure, reliable, and efficient operations. Embracing Zero Trust is not just a security measure but a strategic imperative for organizations and manufacturers aiming to leverage the full potential of IoT.

Zero Trust for IoT

Secure and maximize IoT potential with NetFoundry’s Zero Trust solution—protect against evolving threats for reliable and efficient operations across all environments.

The post Zero Trust for IoT: The Essential Strategy for Securing Industrial, Consumer, and Smart Technologies appeared first on NetFoundry.

Streamlined DevOps with Zero Trust: Boost Speed and Simplify with NetFoundry

Mike Guthrie — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:08:48 +0000

NetFoundry, Developers of OpenZiti

Resources

Solution Brief

Streamlined DevOps with Zero Trust: Boost Speed and Simplify with NetFoundry

Solution Brief

Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, DevOps teams face mounting challenges to balance speed, agility, and security. Traditional network security methods fall short when applied to modern multi-cloud and Kubernetes environments, creating vulnerabilities that can compromise operations. NetFoundry offers a cutting-edge zero trust DevOps solution tailored to address these challenges, empowering DevOps teams to enhance security and efficiency.

Description of the Problem

DevOps practices have transformed software development, but they also introduce unique security concerns:

Complex Security Requirements: Traditional, IP-based security models and VPNs expand the attack surface and increase vulnerabilities in dynamic, multi-cloud environments. The reliance on network perimeter defenses creates blind spots that can be exploited by attackers.
Tooling Vulnerabilities: CI/CD pipelines, monitoring tools, ETL processes, and data warehouses can be potential entry points for attackers, often exposed by misconfigurations. These tools, integral to DevOps workflows, are often not designed with built-in security, making them susceptible to breaches.
Access Management Issues: Granting developers broad access to production environments risks exposing sensitive data and critical systems to potential threats. Traditional methods for managing permissions can be cumbersome, leading to overly permissive access or delays in operations.
Multi-Cloud Complexity: Managing security across diverse cloud platforms and services complicates standardization and consistency, increasing the risk of configuration errors.

Empower DevOps Security

NetFoundry’s zero trust solution integrates seamlessly into DevOps workflows, providing identity-based access, eliminating network vulnerabilities, and empowering teams to deploy faster—without compromising security

DevOps Security Gaps

NetFoundry offers a zero trust approach that eliminates open ports, reduces attack surfaces, and enhances scalability, agility, and security.

Traditional DevOps Security Challenges

Before diving into NetFoundry’s solutions, it’s important to understand why traditional DevOps security tools fall short:

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks): While VPNs create secure tunnels between networks, they expose entire private networks, require open ports, and introduce latency. This not only expands the attack surface but also complicates scaling and increases configuration management overhead.
VPC Peering and Private Networking: VPC (Virtual Private Cloud) peering enables communication within specific regions but involves manual configuration, lacks scalability, and requires extensive IP address planning. This limits agility and adds significant administrative burden.
Direct Connect and ExpressRoute: While offering dedicated connections, these services are costly, rely on physical infrastructure, and still adhere to traditional IP-based security models, limiting flexibility and responsiveness.
Mesh Networking Solutions: While these can simplify multi-cluster connectivity, they introduce additional layers of complexity and may not inherently provide zero trust security, leaving potential gaps in the security model.

Specific Use Cases and NetFoundry Solutions

Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD)

- Challenge: Automated CI/CD processes can expose critical systems, increasing the risk of unauthorized access through code repositories, build servers, and deployment tools.
- NetFoundry Solution: Integrates zero trust security into CI/CD pipelines, ensuring that only verified identities can access each stage. This prevents unauthorized interactions and maintains the integrity of the deployment process. By enforcing identity-based access controls, DevOps teams can manage who and what interacts with their CI/CD systems without relying on traditional perimeter security.
- Advantages: Enhanced protection for source code, deployment automation, and data integrity without slowing down the development cycle.

Monitoring Systems

- Challenge: Monitoring platforms have broad access to production environments to ensure uptime and performance. If not properly secured, they become attractive targets for attackers.
- NetFoundry Solution: Provides identity-based access that eliminates exposed IPs and ports, ensuring that only authorized components can interact with monitoring systems. This prevents unauthorized access and secures telemetry data, protecting the integrity of performance and incident management.
- Advantages: Reduces the risk of compromised monitoring tools leading to full-scale breaches, while maintaining visibility and control over system health.

Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) Processes

- Challenge: ETL jobs are often designed to handle business-critical data and must interact with various data sources. Misconfigurations or exposed connections can lead to data leaks.
- NetFoundry Solution: Uses zero trust connectivity to secure ETL processes by eliminating exposed ports and ensuring only authenticated identities can interact with data sources. The system’s identity-based security framework ensures that data interactions remain protected and confidential.
- Advantages: Maintains data privacy and integrity, protecting sensitive information during data aggregation and processing.

Data Warehouses

- Challenge: Central repositories of business data are high-value targets for attackers, as unauthorized access can result in substantial data breaches and operational disruption.
- NetFoundry Solution: Enforces strict access policies that only permit authenticated users and services to interact with data warehouses. The zero trust model ensures that data warehouses are protected from unauthorized extraction and interactions, maintaining compliance with data protection regulations.
- Advantages: Reduces the risk of breaches, enhances data governance, and ensures continuous protection against insider and external threats.

Configuration Management

- Challenge: Tools for configuration management have the power to modify, scale, or disable infrastructure, making them high-risk if not secured properly.
- NetFoundry Solution: By applying zero trust principles, NetFoundry secures these tools by allowing only verified identities to interact with them. Centralized policy-based access controls enable DevOps teams to manage permissions effectively and adapt them as necessary.
- Advantages: Prevents unauthorized configuration changes that could lead to operational disruptions or vulnerabilities.

Developer Access Management

- Challenge: Developers need access to production environments for troubleshooting, but broad permissions can expose critical systems to potential human errors or malicious intent.
- NetFoundry Solution: Implements least-privilege access policies that grant developers only the permissions they need for their tasks. This is managed through centralized policy enforcement, making it easier to adjust access based on project needs or security updates.
- Advantages: Balances the need for developer agility with robust security, ensuring production systems remain secure while supporting rapid incident response.

Zero Trust DevOps Security

NetFoundry’s zero trust framework secures every stage of DevOps—protecting CI/CD, monitoring, ETL, data warehouses, configuration management, and developer access.

Advantages of Using NetFoundry Zero Trust for DevOps Operations

Enhanced Security Posture

Minimizes attack surfaces by making resources invisible, leveraging identity-based, encrypted connections to reduce the risk of exposure.

Operational Efficiency

Integrates seamlessly with CI/CD and Kubernetes workflows, reducing setup and maintenance time by automating connectivity processes.

Cost Savings

Reduces dependency on VPNs, firewall configurations, and complex networking solutions, cutting infrastructure and operational expenses.

Scalability

Facilitates secure expansion across multi-cloud and hybrid environments without the limitations of traditional networking models.

Improved Compliance

Policy-driven controls support adherence to industry standards, ensuring sensitive data is protected and compliance requirements are met.

Faster Time-to-Market

Streamlines secure connectivity for rapid deployment without network reconfiguration delays, enhancing overall productivity.

Better Collaboration

Provides developers and teams with secure, direct access to resources and production environments without compromising security or agility.

Future-Proof Security

As DevOps practices and technologies evolve, NetFoundry’s zero trust architecture adapts to support new tools and processes without significant restructuring.

Empower DevOps with Zero Trust

NetFoundry delivers a zero trust networking solution tailored for DevOps, enhancing security in CI/CD pipelines, Kubernetes, and essential tools.

Zero Trust DevOps from NetFoundry

NetFoundry’s zero trust networking solution empowers DevOps teams to achieve secure, scalable, and efficient operations. By embedding security into CI/CD pipelines, Kubernetes clusters, and critical DevOps tools, NetFoundry ensures robust protection without sacrificing agility. DevOps teams can confidently innovate and deploy high-performance systems, knowing that their operations are safeguarded by a future-ready security model.

The post Streamlined DevOps with Zero Trust: Boost Speed and Simplify with NetFoundry appeared first on NetFoundry.

NetFoundry and Zero Trust Outcomes in ISA/IEC 62443

Mike Gorman — Sat, 12 Oct 2024 19:36:23 +0000

NetFoundry

Resources

Solution Brief

NetFoundry and Zero Trust Outcomes in ISA/IEC 62443

Solution Brief

Introduction to ISA/IEC 62443 Standards

ISAGCA has published a paper titled Zero Trust Outcomes Using ISA/IEC 62443 Standards. This paper investigates the intersection of IEC 62443 and Zero Trust principles and the benefits of various roles of the adoption of Zero Trust concepts to enhance ISA/IEC 62443-based security practices. Specifically, the paper identifies some of the direct overlap between Zero Trust and the requirements of the IEC 62443 specification. NetFoundry can enable these requirements at the network level as part of an overall security design, and we will explain how.

NetFoundry Cloud, powered by NetFoundry’s Ziti architecture and the OpenZiti open source, is a software-defined networking solution, designed to provide secure connectivity and enable Zero Trust architectures, providing full network operations capabilities. It is well suited for use in the OT/ICS space as it does not assume a human user-to-application use case, as many solutions do, though it can serve that need.

The network layer focus of the solution allows it to be used in much more resource-constrained environments and in a broad set of use cases, many of which are applicable to the industrial space. It also has a focus on availability which is critical for safety first, can run in air gapped networks, and can support L2 and real-time communications all of which are critical for running in OT environments which need to comply to 62443 and other regulations.

Zero Trust Framework

Explore how NetFoundry enhances IEC 62443 security through Zero Trust principles and architecture.

Secure OT Framework

Integrating NetFoundry’s Zero Trust with IEC 62443 standards for enhanced security.

ISA/IEC 62443 Overview

Exploring the integration of NetFoundry’s Zero Trust principles within ISA/IEC 62443 security standards.

SOURCE: Zero Trust Outcomes Using ISA/IEC 62443 Standards

Protect Surface, Network Flow / Zones, Conduits

The ISA/IEC 62443 concept of a zone is a grouping of 1 or more nodes that share a set of security requirements. Zero Trust refers to these as segments, network segments, that can be protected as a unit to enforce certain security requirements. As the number of hosts or applications approaches one, these are referred to as microsegments. A microsegmented network provides a more generally secure environment, limiting many attack vectors allowing for lateral movement within an environment.

NetFoundry has made their Ziti Platform available via open source in the OpenZiti project. OpenZiti software and the SDKs used to embed the solution into applications allows for many forms of segmentation, including application specific microsegmentation – or ‘AppNets’. There are 3 general architectures for deploying Ziti technology. It is important to note that these are not mutually exclusive, and all 3 can be deployed within the same network and even overlapping, depending on the requirements of the given situation. You can read more here.

ZTNA – Zero Trust Network Access: A common term in Zero Trust discussions, ZTNA deployments utilize the Ziti network for most of the path, with the first and/or last “mile” outside the actual Ziti network. This is also commonly referred to as a gateway model. While the least secure, this offers many benefits in terms of simplicity, and to deal with situations where being on host or embedded is simply not an option due to the nature of the connected devices. This model uses external security configuration, simple access control lists, to prevent access to any resources other than via the authorized Ziti network components – which we can refer to as having zero trust of the external WAN network.
ZTHA – Zero Trust Host Access:A more microsegmented approach, ZTHA provides a secure path from or to the host compute node. In many cases, embedding the software with Ziti technology is not an option, as it is owned by a third party or is not under active development. The use of host based access controls similar to network ACLs can prevent any unauthorized access to the node, while easily allowing the secured Ziti network connectivity. Blocking all inbound communications while allowing outbound enables the functionality while being simple to manage. In higher security requirement environments, the controls can whiltelist the Ziti network components specifically outbound. This, of course, brings additional operational requirements, and should be decided based on the risk analysis.- This model extends zero trust principles to the external WAN as well as internal LAN network.
ZTAA – Zero Trust Application Access:The most microsegmented deployment model is ZTAA. The software development kits (SDKs) provided by the OpenZiti project allows the secure connectivity to be built into the applications themselves. This can then be used as the sole network connectivity option for the application, ensuring it always initializes into a secure network state, or can be built as an option, based on configuration, like the Caddy project providing a configurable option for a Ziti interface. This model ensures the app has no listening ports on any underlay network, WAN, LAN, or host OS network, rendering all conventional network threats immediately useless.

Whether the zone is served as a subnet/VLAN in a ZTNA gateway model, a host, or an application, the connections between that zone and any others meet all the requirements of a secured conduit per IEC 62443. They are individually encrypted and routed, and only authenticated and authorized identities can dial the circuits (channels) within the conduit. As the entire path between identities is encrypted, it passes over the existing physical network infrastructure as a virtual conduit from initiating to the target zone.

Microsegmentation Strategies

Integrating ISA/IEC 62443 zones and NetFoundry’s Zero Trust for enhanced security solutions.

Trusted Authentication Framework

OpenZiti utilizes X.509 certificates for secure device authentication and identity management.

Strong Identity

OpenZiti uses X.509 certificates as the root of trust for authentication. Cryptographically signed by the Network Controller – see 5 part blog on ‘Bootstrapping Trust’ – or imported into the network instance for use cases involving external certificate authorities like those installed when the device is manufactured, the certificate can be protected in a number of ways. By default, the certificate is in the file system. The permissions applied to the file can be restricted as necessary, provided the Ziti application can read if for the necessary operations. For higher security applications, Ziti supports PKCS11 interfaces, so the certificate material and all necessary operations can use a hardware security module or similar device. The certificate authenticates the device’s identity, so by itself it is meaningless, the device must also have a configured identity in the network, which can be modified or removed.

Having a standardized cryptographically secured authenticator meets the highest level of strength for identities, and the protection model of that authenticator is an implementation choice, depending on the requirements of the environment. This identity only allows network access to those configured services, and does not provide any access to the applications themselves that are defined as services. Also, ensuring the identity is sovereign to the endpoint ensures that no one else has the ability to decrypt/inspect on the data plane, even if the data plane is hosted by a 3rd party.

Secure Comms

As noted previously, all communications across the Ziti network are encrypted, double encrypted “on the wire”, as the circuit is encrypted end to end, and the channels or links that carry them are independently encrypted as well. The use of device or host based options to protect the local physical connection is a design point of the overall system, as Ziti does not natively provide protection at that point. These decisions also affect whether or not the device allows any nonZiti access to the device, and should be taken into consideration. Appropriate to the risk level, Ziti can be used to allow low friction access to and from devices, while maintaining the necessary security, allowing only authenticated and authorized persons or processes to send or receive data to and from the device. OpenZiti encryption is built for extensibility which allows ‘crypto agility’ – e.g., towards quantum encryption – which are increasingly important topics in OT and critical infrastructure covered by 62443. It should also be noted that Ziti separately encrypts and routes each AppNet.

Enhanced Encryption Standards

Ziti employs double encryption for secure communications, ensuring robust protection across devices.

Dynamic Access Control

Ziti leverages policies for secure connectivity, enabling real-time management and monitoring.

Data Flow Policy

Ziti uses policy to allow connectivity between identities and services. A single service can be allowed to be hosted by a single identity, with another single identity accessing it, even in a large network. The use of attribute tags can allow for groups of identities to be allowed to access groups of services, or to host services via an addressing system. Built-in tools, such as the policy advisor, can be used to verify accessibility, taking into account all the applied policies, and the APIs can be utilized to extract the information for auditing or other external purposes.

The API and event driven nature of Ziti also allows for dynamic updates to the configuration. It is straightforward to create a solution for tying access to business and other rule sets in real time.

Beyond the ability to manage these policies, Ziti also provides detailed event and metric data to allow for the auditing of the connectivity, an important use case in forensics and incident response, as well as behavioral analysis and other monitoring. The access of any identity to a service is emitted, and the data volume transferred is emitted every minute (by default, configurable). The ingestion of these records by a UEBA or other system can allow for immediate actions to terminate connectivity. The removal of authorization to a service will result in the termination of current connections, as well as prevent any new ones. These changes are effective within seconds of the change being made.

As you can see, not only can Ziti create and enforce appropriate data flow policies, it enables the monitoring and appropriate response to anomalous behaviors, or changes in business rules with real time effect.

Least Privilege Access

Least privilege generally concerns privileges granted within an application. Ziti does not act above the data plane, so does not affect the permissions directly. However, the available specificity of network connections can enhance a least privilege model by controlling who can reach the application at all. Depending on the complete design, involving many of the concepts above, even individuals with physical access to a network port can be blocked from accessing the information or device without proper authentication and authorization. Individual network service on the same device can also be separately managed, allowing access to a UI, for example, to the appropriate personnel, while allowing access to a ssh port to administrators only.

While OpenZiti does not provide features for least privilege in the most common usage, it certainly can enforce least connectivity as a part of the overall strategy.

Enhanced Least Privilege

Ziti supports least privilege by controlling network access, enhancing application security strategies.

Continuous Monitoring Solutions

OpenZiti enables ongoing authentication and behavioral analysis for enhanced security oversight.

Continuous Monitoring

There are 2 current forms of continuous monitoring, depending on definition. Continuous authentication, verifying that the user’s session continues to be allowable based on the rules sets, and behavioral analysis.

Using the authentication policies defined in OpenZiti, the simplest form of continuous authentication is MFA via one-time tokens (with many other posture checks supported and being developed). These posture checks can be configured based on time, and/or events such as a laptop being “woken up”, or unlocked. This ensures that the authenticated user is still in control of the device prior to allowing access to any services.

As noted in the Data flow policy section above, OpenZiti can be configured to output a wide range of information. These events and metrics can indicate the operations of the network in general, as well as highly specific information about its usage. Every connection (circuit) within the network is logged at creation and deletion, giving the initiating identity, service, hosting identity, and the path through the network. Every circuit is authorized by a session created when the identity attaches to the network, and this session is also logged for creation and deletion. This record contains the Network Controller’s view of the IP address the device is attaching from, the time of the event, etc. Even when the deployment model is ZTNA, and an Edge Router is operating as a gateway to a nonZiti portion of the network, initiating or terminating, the socket information (IP:PORT) is collected and reported in the events. This allows for correlation of translated addresses or nonZiti clients with other systems in auditing or forensic investigations.

All changes made to the network model, services, identities, policies, and entities are also emitted as events, allowing the monitoring of changes made to the network in real time or as an audit function.

The post NetFoundry and Zero Trust Outcomes in ISA/IEC 62443 appeared first on NetFoundry.

NetFoundry Zero Trust for OT and IIoT

Bill Zujewski — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 13:03:47 +0000

NetFoundry

Resources

Solution Brief

NetFoundry Zero Trust for OT and IIoT

Solution Brief

Protecting sensitive data and implementing access controls is complex. In terms of compliance, OT sectors must meet stringent regulations (e.g., NERC CIP, HIPAA, IEC 62443) and undergo regular audits, requiring costly and time-consuming certification processes to align with standards. Here’s a detailed look at the challenges that must be considered:

Highlight

Overcome OT and IIoT security and compliance challenges with robust Zero Trust solutions

Deploying products and solutions in Operational Technology (OT) environments involves significant security and compliance challenges, which are major company concerns. In terms of security concerns, integrating IT and OT systems increases the attack surface, exposing them to advanced threats like APTs and ransomware.

Security Concerns

Increased Attack Surface

Interconnected Networks: Integrating IT and OT systems increases the attack surface, providing more entry points for cyber attackers.
Sophisticated Threats: OT environments are targets for advanced persistent threats (APTs) and ransomware attacks, which can cause significant disruption and damage.

Data Security

Sensitive Information: OT systems often handle critical and sensitive data. Ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of this data is challenging.
Access Control: Implementing stringent access controls to prevent unauthorized access while allowing legitimate users to perform their tasks is complex.

Compliance Challenges

Regulatory Requirements

Industry Regulations: OT environments, particularly in sectors like energy, healthcare, and manufacturing, are subject to stringent regulatory standards such as NERC CIP, HIPAA, and IEC 62443.
Compliance Audits: Regular compliance audits require detailed documentation and evidence of adherence to security standards.

Certification and Standards

Certification Processes: Deploying new solutions often necessitates rigorous testing and certification to meet industry-specific standards, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Standards Alignment: Ensuring new technologies align with existing compliance standards without introducing vulnerabilities or gaps.

Concerns About Deploying Third-Party Solutions

Common challenges for 3rd party access to OT environments

Cyberattack Vulnerabilities
Integration Challenges
Loss of Control
Data Privacy Risks
Operational Disruption

Trust and Control

Vendor Trust: Companies may be hesitant to trust third-party vendors with access to critical OT systems due to concerns about the vendor’s security practices and the potential for introducing vulnerabilities.
Loss of Control: Integrating third-party solutions can lead to a perceived or actual loss of control over security and operational processes.

Integration Risks

Compatibility Issues: Ensuring third-party solutions are compatible with existing OT infrastructure can be challenging, risking operational disruptions.
Complex Integration: The integration process can introduce security risks if not managed carefully.

Data Privacy and Ownership

Data Exposure: Deploying third-party solutions might require sharing sensitive operational data, raising concerns about data privacy and ownership.
Data Breach Risks: There is a heightened risk of data breaches if the third-party solution is compromised.

Operational Disruption

Downtime: The deployment and integration of third-party solutions can cause downtime, which is often unacceptable in critical OT environments.
Performance Impact: Third-party solutions may affect the performance of existing systems, leading to operational inefficiencies.

NetFoundry Zero Trust

Simple, Secure Networking for Smart Connected Products and Solutions

NetFoundry’s zero trust platform and solutions enhance security, simplify management, and provide flexible, low-cost connectivity for OT, IIoT, and edge environments. Our platform supports self-hosted open-source options and managed SaaS solutions, ensuring seamless integration and robust protection against modern cyber threats.

Connect to Anything

Managing and securing IIoT devices is complex and often requires VPNs or bastions, which can be cumbersome and vulnerable to various cyber threats. NetFoundry simplifies this by offering a seamless, secure solution that eliminates these dependencies. With NetFoundry, you can:

Eliminate the need for VPNs or bastions.
Gain robust security against ransomware, data exfiltration, DDoS, and botnets.
Available as both self-hosted and managed SaaS

Traditional IIoT management often involves high latency and complex configurations. NetFoundry provides a straightforward, low-latency solution that supports various devices and setups, ensuring smooth operations.

Local-like Access: With native SSH and RDP support, you can experience low latency, smooth console sessions, and snappy database queries.
Unified Solution: Ziti endpoints extend your overlay anywhere and become your single solution for IIoT management and networking, including agentless setups, Nvidia Jetson, Raspberry Pi, OpenWRT, servers, and clouds.
Enhanced Security: Close all inbound firewall ports, eliminating dependencies on static public IPs and port forwarding. All sessions are authenticated in the background via X.509 certificates, removing the need for VPNs and bastions.

Minimize Risk Using Advanced Authentication and Encryption

Ensuring robust security in IIoT environments can be challenging due to diverse threats. NetFoundry integrates advanced security measures to protect IIoT networks comprehensively.

X.509 Certificate Authentication: Built-in authentication to a private IIoT network overlay with botnet and DDoS protection.
Minimized Attack Surface: No open inbound firewall ports and microsegmentation to protect against data exfiltration.
Advanced Security Protocols: Advanced Security Protocols include mutual TLS (mTLS), encryption, and least privileged access. Learn more about zero-trust networking here.

Minimize Latency and Improve Reliability

IIoT deployments often suffer from high latency due to inefficient routing. NetFoundry optimizes connectivity by routing sessions directly, improving performance and reducing costs.

Direct Routing: Route each session directly from the device to its destination, eliminating VPN backhaul and reducing cloud egress costs.
Optimized Connectivity: Optimized Connectivity is a full mesh with multipoint networking that provides dynamic routing across multiple tier-one networks for the best connections.
Network Flexibility: Use any network with the best latency, bandwidth, and throughput securely, even WiFi.

Leverage Software Defined Overlay Networks for Flexibility

Deploying and managing IIoT solutions across varied environments requires flexibility. NetFoundry offers a software-only solution that can adapt to any network or device, ensuring seamless integration.

Software-Only Solution: Cloud orchestrated with open source and SaaS options, including managed IIoT network overlays.
Versatile Endpoints: Zero trust endpoints for any app (SDK-embedded), device, edge, or cloud.
Broad Network Compatibility: Use public cellular (eliminate private APN) and WiFi, enabling third parties to connect IIoT devices to their networks securely.

Lower Your Connectivity and Security Costs

Implementing secure IIoT solutions can be expensive and time-consuming. NetFoundry reduces costs and accelerates deployment with a streamlined, software-only approach.

Cost-Effective: Software-only solution eliminates the need for extra security and networking hardware, VPNs, and bastions.
Rapid Deployment: Deploy in minutes across any set of edges and clouds.
Efficient Use of Public Networks: Use public cellular and WiFi to reduce costs and accelerate deployments, allowing customers and partners to securely enable IIoT devices on their networks.

Conclusion

NetFoundry’s zero trust solutions for OT, IIoT, and edge environments provide a robust, flexible, and cost-effective way to manage and secure your devices and networks. Embrace our platform to enhance security, simplify operations, and achieve rapid, low-cost deployments across diverse network environments.

The post NetFoundry Zero Trust for OT and IIoT appeared first on NetFoundry.

Embedding Zero Trust Connectivity into Products and Software: A Business Imperative

Bill Zujewski — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 19:32:26 +0000

NetFoundry

Resources

Solution Brief

Embedding Zero Trust Connectivity into Products and Software: A Business Imperative

Solution Brief

Why Solution Providers Need Zero Trust Connectivity

In today’s hyper-connected world, solution providers, including product manufacturers, industrial and enterprise software vendors, and cybersecurity solution firms, face an increasing need to secure their connected products. As companies deploy these solutions in critical infrastructure and other high-security environments, they turn to zero trust connectivity, such as that offered by NetFoundry, to protect against cyber threats and ensure seamless, secure access. In fact, companies design-in and OEM the Netfoundry connectivity layer into the products they take to market in order to meet stringent security requirements while transforming how they operate.

The rise of IIoT (industrial Internet of Things) devices, smart connected products, IT-OT convergence and cloud-based applications has increased the risk of cyberattacks. Solution providers are tasked with ensuring that their products are not just functional but also secure in highly sensitive environments like energy grids, substations, factories, healthcare systems, and financial institutions.

Zero trust connectivity ensures that every user, device, and application is authenticated and authorized before granting access to a network. This security model reduces the risk of breaches by verifying every interaction—no entity is trusted by default. By embedding this level of security directly into their products, providers can offer solutions that are resilient against modern cyber threats.

Secure by Design

NetFoundry’s Zero Trust architecture provides secure, direct connections for companies OEMing our embeddable networking & connectivity.

As solution providers deploy products in mission-critical environments, ensuring secure connectivity is essential. By OEMing NetFoundry’s zero trust connectivity, they can embed seamless security and a zero trust overlay network into their solutions, protecting against cyber threats and ensuring reliable performance in highly sensitive sectors like energy, manufacturing, banking and healthcare.

Transform Business Processes with Secure Access to Connected Products

Embedded zero trust connectivity empowers solution providers to securely manage critical infrastructure, industrial IoT, healthcare devices, and on-premise software, while enabling innovative use cases like real-time monitoring, remote service, and data-driven business models.

Use Cases and Business Processes Supported by Secure Access to Connected Products

With zero trust connectivity embedded into their products, solution providers can support a variety of use cases and secure business processes, such as:

OT and Critical Infrastructure Management: Enabling secure control and monitoring of energy grids, transportation systems, and utilities, where breaches could have devastating consequences.
Industrial Software & IIoT in Manufacturing: Connecting machines and devices in smart factories for real-time monitoring, remote service, predictive maintenance, and secure data sharing.
Healthcare Device Connectivity: Ensuring that connected medical devices and systems maintain compliance with regulations (e.g., HIPAA) and secure patient data across hospital networks.
On-premise Software Access: Securing remote access to enterprise applications, databases, and workflows for employees and partners while maintaining strong control over sensitive information.
Cybersecurity Management: Allowing cybersecurity firms to securely configure, manage and update software in real-time across multiple customer environments.
Connected Product Data Ingress and Egress: Accessing data from the products to support analytics, AI solutions, remote service, and innovative business solutions such as usage-based pricing and products-as-a service.

What is Embeddable Zero Trust Networking

NetFoundry’s embeddable zero trust networking & connectivity refers to a network solution that allows software developers to use SDKs and APIs to integrate secure, zero trust networking capabilities directly into their applications, services, or products. It is ideal for companies that want to design in zero trust connectivity and OEM NetFoundry’s zero trust connectivity into their products. The key concept of zero trust is that no entity—whether inside or outside the network—should be trusted by default, and every interaction must be verified to ensure security.

Key Aspects of NetFoundry’s Embeddable Zero Trust Connectivity

Embedded into Applications: Unlike traditional networking solutions, NetFoundry’s platform allows developers to integrate zero trust security features natively within their software using SDKs, APIs and tunnelers. This “overlay networking as code” approach reduces the need for external security layers and streamlines secure connections between users, devices, and data.
No VPNs or Traditional Network Infrastructure: NetFoundry eliminates the need for VPNs, firewalls, and other legacy perimeter security infrastructure by providing a secure, identity-based networking layer. This is critical for environments where perimeter-based security (such as firewalls) is insufficient, particularly in cloud and hybrid environments.
Secure by Design: Security is built into the core of the solution, enforcing identity, context, and policy verification before granting access. This means that users and devices must authenticate and be authorized before they can access any resources.
Scalability and Flexibility: NetFoundry’s solution is designed for easy scaling, allowing companies to secure communications between distributed services (e.g., microservices, IoT devices, or edge environments) in a flexible and automated way.
Use Cases: It is particularly useful for industries like energy, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services and software that need to offer secure extranet or partner access. Manufacturers embedding connectivity into IoT or smart connected products use this approach to ensure secure, automated, and scalable network communication.

By offering embeddable zero trust connectivity, NetFoundry enables companies to build secure-by-design applications and products that inherently protect against cyber threats, ensuring robust security from within, rather than relying on traditional, external security measures.

Embeddable Zero Trust Networking: Security Built into Your Applications

NetFoundry’s embeddable zero trust networking allows developers to integrate secure, identity-based connectivity directly into applications, eliminating the need for traditional network security layers and ensuring scalable, secure-by-design communications across distributed environments.

Understanding Software-Defined Overlay Networks and NetFoundry’s Secure Connectivity

Software-defined overlay networks abstract physical infrastructure for flexible, secure networking, and NetFoundry leverages this technology to deliver scalable, zero trust connectivity that can be embedded directly into applications and platforms.

What is a Software Defined Overlay Network

A software-defined overlay network (SDN overlay) is a virtual network built on top of existing physical networks (underlay networks). It abstracts the underlying network infrastructure and allows for the creation of separate, logical networks that can be customized for specific use cases. These overlay networks are managed and controlled through software, allowing organizations to quickly configure and reconfigure the network without changing the underlying physical infrastructure.

Key Aspects of a Software-Defined Overlay Network

Abstraction: The network is separated from the underlying hardware, creating virtual connections between devices or applications without the need for physical changes.
Flexibility: Administrators can create and manage network segments, routes, and policies via software, allowing for more rapid, scalable network configurations.
Security and Traffic Control: Overlay networks can apply encryption, traffic isolation, and other security features independently from the physical network, offering enhanced protection and control over data flows.

How It Relates to NetFoundry’s Embeddable Zero Trust Connectivity

NetFoundry’s embeddable zero trust connectivity is based on software-defined overlay networks, which provide the foundation for secure, agile networking. Here’s how they relate:

Separation of Control and Data Planes: NetFoundry’s Software Defined Network Overlays allow companies to define network policies and manage access control separately from the physical network. This aligns with zero trust principles, where every action, connection, and data flow is continuously authenticated and authorized.
Zero Trust Architecture: NetFoundry’s embeddable solution leverages SDN overlays to ensure secure connectivity between applications, users, and devices. The zero trust model embedded into the overlay means that every node in the network must be verified before data exchange, without trusting any inherent aspects of the underlying network.
Agility and Scalability: By using software-defined overlays, NetFoundry provides a dynamic way to scale secure network connections. Enterprises can rapidly extend connectivity across cloud, edge, and hybrid environments, embedding secure, zero trust communications in distributed applications without worrying about the limitations of physical infrastructure.
Encryption and Secure Tunnels: Like most overlay networks, NetFoundry’s solution encrypts data between virtual nodes. However, it builds on this with zero trust policies, ensuring that every connection through the overlay is authenticated, authorized, and encrypted to reduce attack surfaces.

In essence, NetFoundry’s embeddable zero trust connectivity uses software-defined overlay networks as the vehicle to deliver secure, policy-driven, and scalable connectivity that can be seamlessly embedded into applications and platforms. Companies requiring this increased level of zero trust security often OEM Netfoundry’s connectivity into their products and solutions.

What Is An Internet Overlay

An internet overlay refers to a virtual network that operates on top of the existing physical internet infrastructure. It is a software-defined network that provides customized networking services, such as secure communication, traffic routing, or enhanced performance, without altering the underlying internet. These overlays abstract the complexity of the underlying internet infrastructure and provide specific functionalities, such as encryption, traffic control, or application-level networking, tailored for various needs.

Key Characteristics of an Internet Overlay

Virtual Network Layer: It operates independently of the physical layer, allowing users to create and control their own network on top of the internet.
Secure and Isolated Traffic: Overlays often use encryption and other techniques to ensure secure communication between participants, making them ideal for secure networking over the public internet.
Customization: Overlay networks enable organizations to define their own routing policies, traffic prioritization, and security measures, often without the need for physical changes to the infrastructure.
Scalability: These networks can be expanded or contracted without affecting the underlying internet, making them agile for businesses that need to scale services quickly.

NetFoundry’s Internet Overlay

NetFoundry’s overlay networking can be applied to any underlay network including both internal corporate networks and the internet. The NetFoundry internet overlay capability is part of the NetFoundry Platform and allows companies to create a secure, software-defined overlay for secure business use that runs on top of the public internet. This overlay provides:

Zero trust connectivity: Every device, user, and application is verified before being granted access to the network, ensuring that even when using the public internet, the network remains secure.
End-to-end encryption: The overlay ensures secure communication, isolating data and traffic from potential threats on the underlying internet.
Optimized routing: The NetFoundry platform routes traffic through its overlay in a way that optimizes performance, reliability, and security, without relying on traditional networking methods like VPNs.
Global reach with cloud integration: NetFoundry’s internet overlay extends across the globe and integrates easily with cloud providers, allowing businesses to connect applications, devices, and users across multiple environments securely.

Understanding Internet Overlays and NetFoundry’s Secure Solution

Internet overlays create virtual networks on top of the existing internet, providing secure, customizable, and scalable connectivity. NetFoundry’s internet overlay offers zero trust security, end-to-end encryption, and optimized routing for seamless global integration.

NetFoundry Platform & Cloud

NetFoundry Platform is a comprehensive development environment for creating, embedding and managing networks. It can be deployed in a traditional on-premise model or as Networking as a Service model using NetFoundry Cloud. The platform enables secure, scalable, and programmable networking, specifically designed to build software-defined overlay networks and support zero trust principles. It is built to simplify the development, deployment, and management of secure, software-defined networks over any public or private network. The NetFoundry Cloud offering is cloud-native offering, hosted and managed by NetFoundry and allows companies to easily build, embed, connect and manage zero trust networks and connectivity without having to worry about managing the infrastructure. Both the NetFoundry Platform and NetFoundry Cloud provide the following four major capabilities:

Build

NetFoundry provides a developer-centric platform that allows businesses to build secure networking solutions without needing to manage or maintain traditional networking hardware or infrastructure. Using APIs and SDKs, developers can create customizable network configurations to suit their specific application needs. This ensures that security and network architecture are integrated right from the design phase, significantly reducing the complexity of implementing secure connectivity.

Embed

NetFoundry enables organizations to embed zero trust networking capabilities directly into their applications, devices, or services. This is made possible through the use of SDKs and libraries that allow developers to integrate NetFoundry’s secure, software-defined networking into their products. By embedding security natively, the need for external VPNs or traditional perimeter-based security models is eliminated. Applications can connect securely to cloud, on-premises, or hybrid environments with minimal effort, enabling fast and secure deployments.

Connect

NetFoundry’s connectivity is based on a secure, software-defined overlay network that operates over the public internet or private networks. This allows applications, users, and devices to securely communicate regardless of location. NetFoundry’s platform uses zero trust principles, meaning every connection is authenticated, encrypted, and authorized before data is transmitted. This ensures a secure-by-design network without the need for complex network setup or expensive dedicated links like MPLS. Connections can span clouds, data centers, and edge locations, providing businesses with global, secure access.

Manage

NetFoundry provides a powerful management layer that allows organizations to manage and monitor their network from a single, centralized interface. This includes automated policy enforcement, identity-based access controls, and real-time traffic visibility. Businesses can manage their network infrastructure with fine-grained control over security policies, access control, and network performance, ensuring compliance and optimizing performance. The platform also allows for easy scaling, as organizations can add or remove endpoints, users, or services without manual configuration changes to the underlying network.

In summary, NetFoundry enables businesses to build secure networks, embed zero trust into their applications, connect securely across any network, and manage their infrastructure with ease, leveraging cloud-native principles and automation

Unlock Business Value with Embedded Zero Trust Connectivity

Integrate zero trust security into your products to enhance protection, accelerate sales cycles, differentiate in the market, and achieve operational efficiency and compliance at scale.

Business Benefits of the Most Secure Connectivity and Embedded Approach

By embedding zero trust connectivity directly into products, companies unlock significant business benefits:

Enhanced Security: Embedding security directly into the products ensures that devices, applications, and systems are protected against unauthorized access, providing defense-in-depth against cyber threats.
Faster Sales Cycles: By not requiring the customer to provide security or open up access to their networks, companies eliminate sales friction for IT, OT and Security teams.
Competitive Differentiation: Solution providers who offer built-in, zero trust connectivity can differentiate themselves in the market by delivering more secure and robust products, giving them an edge over competitors.
Operational Efficiency: Secure remote access to connected products streamlines management, monitoring, and updates, reducing the need for on-site interventions and minimizing downtime.
Scalability: NetFoundry’s software-defined, zero trust architecture is designed to scale, allowing providers to expand their product’s secure connectivity footprint as needed without infrastructure changes.
Compliance and Risk Reduction: Products embedded with zero trust solutions help organizations comply with stringent regulatory requirements, particularly in industries like healthcare and critical infrastructure, while reducing the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks.

NetFoundry’s OEM Offering

By OEMing and embedding NetFoundry’s zero trust connectivity, solution providers can ensure their products are not only innovative but also offer the highest levels of security required by today’s most sensitive environments. NetFoundry makes it easy to white label and use their connectivity as a native feature in their go-to-market products. It unlocks both product and business innovation and helps companies leapfrog their competition in providing the most leading edge and secure connected products.

The post Embedding Zero Trust Connectivity into Products and Software: A Business Imperative appeared first on NetFoundry.

Secure Partner Connectivity without VPN Headaches

Bill Zujewski — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 13:04:29 +0000

NetFoundry

Resources

Solution Brief

Secure Partner Connectivity without VPN Headaches

Solution Brief

Secure networking between enterprises and 3rd parties has reached a pivotal tipping point.

Traditional site-to-site (S2S) VPNs, once the backbone of connecting an enterprise with supply chain partners, are increasingly falling short due to their inherent security vulnerabilities and performance bottlenecks. As a result, many companies no longer accept 3rd party enterprise access using VPNs, forcing partners to either deploy on-premises or not provide services and support remotely.

As businesses increasingly integrate their IT and OT systems with those of their partners, relying on traditional VPNs and perimeter security infrastructure for network connectivity is becoming problematic, leading to significant security and performance challenges.

Furthermore, rapid advancements in AI and the growing implementation of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) add layers of complexity to an already intricate multi-network environment.

VPNs Are Failing

VPNs introduce vulnerabilities, performance issues, complex management, data breaches, unauthorized access, and inefficiencies.

NetFoundry’s Identity-First Connectivity™ makes applications invisible, secure, and efficient, eliminating VPN limitations.

Introduction to Identity-First Connectivity™

NetFoundry introduces a revolutionary Identity-First inter-enterprise networking solution, redefining secure connectivity for enterprises and their partners. This advanced approach allows solution providers can embed NetFoundry’s connectivity directly into their offerings. By employing a “design-in” and “secure-by-default” strategy, NetFoundry eliminates the limitations of conventional VPNs, providing a secure, flexible, and efficient alternative.

Alternatively, for solutions that can’t easily be updated with built-in connectivity, NetFoundry’s connectivity can be embedded into containers or deployed on hosts. Either way, access points are completely invisible to the broader internet, and can only be accessed by partners who have been approved by policy and identified with X.509 certificates.

Invisible on the Internet

NetFoundry implements an overlay network to enhance security by eliminating listening ports, thereby protecting against port scanning. Only clients (applications or machines) authenticated with a strong identity can connect to the NetFoundry overlay network. This architecture relies solely on outbound connections, removing the need for any inbound firewall openings. Consequently, applications secured by NetFoundry become virtually “invisible”—undetectable and impervious to direct attacks.

Identity-First Overlay Networks

NetFoundry Advantages

NetFoundry customers have secured their integrations with solution partners because of the advantages NetFoundry has over traditional connectivity approaches including the following:

Enhanced Network Security and Simplified Compliance

Rapid Deployment with Minimal Risk:
By eliminating the need for providers to have network access, NetFoundry ensures a secure, straightforward setup that simplifies IT processes and accelerates approval for deployment.

Streamlined Network Management

No Inbound Access Required:
Organizations can enhance security by denying all inbound access, removing the burden of managing complex OT and IT firewall rules.

Complete Operational Oversight

Visibility and Control:
With NetFoundry, organizations gain comprehensive visibility into their networks through advanced telemetry, coupled with the ability to manage and control their networking environments effectively.

Rigorous Security Posture

Robust Identity-First Security Model:
Organizations benefit from reduced risk, as NetFoundry obliges providers to adhere to a strict zero trust security framework, ensuring end-to-end protection.

Access and Exposure

NetFoundry ensures secure application-specific access without the need for network-level exposure, eliminating the risk of external and lateral movement attacks inherent in traditional VPN/firewall setups.

Simplified Management and Enhanced Control

With NetFoundry, both organizations and their suppliers gain simplified management capabilities and see unprecedented control over their connectivity, including full visibility, telemetry, and manageability without the complex and risky inbound access requirements.

Operational Oversight, Cost-Effective & Resilient

NetFoundry’s model significantly reduces both setup and ongoing costs by obviating the need for specialized network equipment and expertise, while its multi-point network architecture ensures optimal performance without single points of failure.

How NetFoundry Works

Identity-First Connectivity™ with a secure Overlay Network and End-to-End Encryption

Partner connections with strong identity

X.509-based strong identity for devices
IDP integration for human identity

Least Privilege Authorization

Default posture is DENY ALL
No route or service visibility without policy

Granular Access — app, host, or site

Outbound-only connections without VPN or firewall rule changes
Stop any potential lateral movement

NetFoundry vs. Traditional VPN/Firewall

Feature	Traditional Site-to-Site VPN	NetFoundry
Access	Requires network access, public IPs, inbound ports.	Zero Trust; no network-level access is required.
Exposure	Exposed to external network and lateral attacks.	Protected against external network and lateral movements.
Management	Complex management of OT/IT rules, VLANs, etc.	Simplified management; outbound ports/IP/DNS only.
Visibility & Control	Limited control; providers manage access, infrastructure.	Enhanced control, visibility with customer-managed solutions.
Cost	High cost due to complex network equipment.	Lower operational and capital expenditures overall.
Resiliency	Relies on point-to-point connections with potential failure.	Multi-point optimized network; no single point failure.

NetFoundry vs. VPN Technical Comparison

Feature	Traditional Site-to-Site VPN	NetFoundry
Inbound Port Exposure	Must open firewall holes for IPs, UDP ports.	No inbound ports are required at all.
Outbound Port Exposure	Requires opening multiple TCP and UDP ports.	Uses port 443 for secure network access.
Identity Management	Requires complex firewall & NAT management.	Managed via web console using X.509 certificates.
Authentication and PKI	Options: IKE with certificates or own PKI.	Continuous authentication with session-specific certificates used.
Authorization and Access	Internet-based with static routes, no latency optimization.	Performance-optimized, multipoint overlay with dynamic routing.
Networking	Relies on point-to-point connections, potential failure points.	Multi-point network optimized, no single point failure.
Control and Telemetry	Configured separately for tunnels, firewalls, IP addresses.	Centralized control with end-to-end visibility ensured.

Seamless Implementation Process

Deploying NetFoundry involves three straightforward steps:

Set Up

Set up the Identity-First overlay network.

Embed

Embed connectivity and build access policies.

Lock Down

Close inbound ports to secure the network.

This process is significantly simplified through the automation of network components and the integration of zero trust principles.

The NetFoundry Advantage Summary

NetFoundry takes a comprehensive, holistic approach to providing secure between organizations and their providers. Whether it’s a smart connected product provider, software provider, service provider, or industrial solution provider, NetFoundry’s designed-in solution embodies an Identity-Firstmodel, mitigating risk across all IT and OT network infrastructure vectors compared to site-to-site VPNs.

NetFoundry delivers a secure, manageable, and efficient solution that aligns with modern cybersecurity best practices, representing a transformative approach to secure connectivity. For organizations and their providers, adopting NetFoundry means embracing a future where secure connectivity is no longer a bottleneck but a catalyst for growth and innovation.

The post Secure Partner Connectivity without VPN Headaches appeared first on NetFoundry.