As enterprises face a significant surge in smart edge devices within their networks, securing and managing these devices has become a top priority. Recognizing this growing challenge, Cato Networks has unveiled a suite of new capabilities for its cloud-based Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platform, specifically targeting the burgeoning landscape of Internet of Things (IoT) and operational technology (OT) devices. By 2025, Gartner projects that 85% of enterprises will harbor more smart edge devices than traditional computing devices, adding to the forecast from IDC of over 41 billion IoT devices by the same year. This rapid proliferation introduces new security vulnerabilities and creates blind spots that information technology teams need to address urgently.
To tackle these challenges head-on, Cato IoT/OT Security integrates several crucial features into the Cato SASE Cloud Platform. Among these features is comprehensive device discovery and classification, which provides extensive visibility into IoT and OT environments without necessitating additional integrations. This enables organizations to continuously monitor and identify connected devices, simplifying the oversight of these diverse technologies.
Another essential feature is the policy enforcement capability, which allows enterprises to define and enforce granular access policies tailored to specific IoT/OT devices. These policies can be categorized by various characteristics, including device type, manufacturer, or model, which reduces the complexity of security management while enhancing the overall security posture.
Moreover, Cato’s platform incorporates advanced threat prevention mechanisms, utilizing sophisticated detection tools like DNS Security, an intrusion-prevention system (IPS), and next-generation anti-malware (NGAM). These tools collectively safeguard IoT/OT devices against both known and unknown threats, providing a robust defense that adapts to the evolving threat landscape.
By seamlessly integrating these features into its SASE platform, Cato Networks aims to streamline device management and improve security without introducing additional complexity or employing multiple point solutions. This approach helps address common issues like outdated hardware management, limited visibility, and the challenges of deploying numerous point solutions, thereby consolidating security measures into a cohesive system.
A noteworthy benefit of Cato’s offering is its private global backbone, which comprises over 90 Points of Presence (PoPs). These PoPs are connected through multiple SLA-backed network providers, ensuring optimal data packet routing based on real-time evaluations of latency, packet loss, and jitter. This network infrastructure not only enhances application performance for users, whether on-premises or in the cloud but also accelerates and optimizes traffic flow, delivering a seamless user experience.
The new IoT/OT Security features are natively integrated into the Cato SASE Cloud Platform, enabling enterprises to activate these capabilities without needing additional hardware or software installations. This streamlined approach offers a globally accessible solution, simplifying security management for Cato’s customers.
In conclusion, Cato Networks’ enhancements to its SASE platform underscore the ongoing trend toward simplifying enterprise security management amidst the exponential growth of connected devices. By integrating comprehensive device discovery, policy enforcement, and advanced threat prevention into a unified platform, Cato Networks addresses the need for a scalable, cohesive solution to secure IoT/OT environments. This consolidation eliminates redundancies, enhances security, and helps maintain enterprise network integrity in the face of increasing complexities.
