StrideLinx: Secure Industrial VPN - Security Overview from AutomationDirect

The StrideLinx, Secure Industrial VPN provides for the integration of control system networks into plant-wide area networks, while still allowing for secure access, of all your end devices, across any internet connection. With this type of integration there is always security challenges that need to be addressed. The StrideLinx cloud can be helpful in alleviating most of your issues, but should be viewed as one part of an overall security strategy. In this video, I will highlight some of the main security features of the StrideLinx VPN cloud and how these features can help with your security policies. When using this cloud based VPN, all the data passing through the network is encrypted, and when it reaches the final destination it is then decrypted. For example, if you were to turn on a PLC output, this machine code would be encrypted, on your PC, by the IXClient software. Then the encrypted code would be routed over the internet through the StrideLinx cloud network, and when the encrypted data reaches the VPN router, it will then be decrypted, and sent to the PLC. Communicating, in this manner, ensures that your data is securely encrypted, while in route, and reduces the likelihood of an external attack. The StrideLinx network then leverages the connectivity of the internet and uses host servers around the world, to push your encrypted data with the most efficient connection route. These servers are monitored 24/7 by experts and all communication through these networks are hosted through certified data centers. This provides for centralized logging, in case of a security Incident. To further ensure that your data is protected the StrideLinx network is routinely audited by 3rd parties for vulnerabilities and attacks. The StrideLinx platform allows for Role-based user and group management. This allows for Inviting colleagues and customers into this network and still allowing for individualized rights and permissions. There is also a detailed audit trail, of each users actions, while using this network. Allowing for another layer of insight into all users actions. To add another layer of security to the user login, there is also optional Two-factor authentication. TO set this up you will need to enable the feature under your company profile, and then select here, under log in and security. When this is enabled you will be given a QR code to link to your authentication app like, Google Authenticator, which I am using in this video. This program will generate a new code every 30 seconds. When you log in with your user name and password you will be asked for this 6 digit code. This adds another layer to protect your device from malicious attack. If you have any questions about the security features, of this router please feel free to comment below, or call into our support team. Click on this video to learn more about AutomationDirect’s many support options, click here to learn more or see more videos on our many products, and be sure to click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel for upcoming videos.