In today's highly-connected industrial landscape, merging IT and operational technology (OT) systems is no longer optional but essential. Modern operations require real-time OT data for analytics, predictive maintenance, and enterprise-wide visibility for smarter, faster decision-making.
However, traditional security tools such as firewalls and virtual private networks (VPNs) can pose significant risk, as they allow bidirectional traffic that could expose OT networks to cyber threats.
Another challenge is that many industrial environments rely on older machinery and proprietary protocols which often struggle to communicate with modern IT systems.
To address this critical challenge, Allied Solutions and ST Engineering’s Cybersecurity team partnered to seamlessly integrate PTC Kepware’s KEPServerEX, a leading OT data connectivity platform, with ST Engineering’s CyberTransporter, a data diode or unidirectional network communication device that enables the safe, one-way transfer of data between segmented networks. This powerful combination enables secure, unidirectional data transfer between segmented networks while maintaining complete operational visibility.
The solution leverages KEPServerEX's robust connectivity with a library of 150+ drivers and plug-ins that support different PLCs protocols like BACnet, IEC 60870, and EUROMAP 63. This ensures seamless data transfer that has the flexibility to overcome any data connectivity challenge.
KEPServerEX leverages Open Platform Communications (OPC), the automation industry’s standard for interoperability, and IT-centric communication protocols. These protocols include Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), and web services to provide users with a single source for industrial data.
When integrated with ST Engineering’s CyberTransporter, the solution forms a unified system that provides a secure air-gap between separated networks, while enabling real-time monitoring of the OT environment. It ensures secure transmission of operational data from OT to IT systems, while protecting critical infrastructure from external risks.
OPC tunnelling information architecture (image: Allied Solutions)
Fortified security is enabled through ST Engineering’s CyberTransporter, through its patented SFP+ unidirectional technology that physically prevents data leakage. The CyberTransporter’s separate power supply eliminates side-channel attack vulnerabilities, while its Common Criteria EAL 4+ certification validates its enterprise-grade security. Designed for high-performance operations, it combines rapid data throughput with intelligent file loss detection and high-availability configurations—all in a compact, ruggedised form factor optimised for industrial deployment.
The solution was validated through rigorous testing, to ensure its reliability for mission-critical sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and smart city infrastructure.
A leading data centre provider in Singapore deployed this solution to enable its clients to securely transmit OT and Internet of Things (IoT) data from within the data centre. The solution provides its clients with access to real-time, secure monitoring and data analytics, while maintaining strict network separation to prevent cyber attacks.
KEPServerEX was used to allow operational data riding on legacy and proprietary OT protocols to be sent through the CyberTransporter via OPC tunnelling. The CyberTransporter was deployed at the network boundary to enforce secure one-way data transfer, ensuring that there is no backflow of data to the operational networks, and that any potential network-based cyber attacks to the data centre is mitigated.
When the data centre requested for more tags (data points) with faster polling rates in the OT cybersecurity solution, it had an impact on system performance, security, and reliability.
To address this, ST Engineering’s cybersecurity product and engineering teams collaborated closely with Allied Solutions to rapidly troubleshoot and implement product enhancements. Their local, responsive support was key to optimising the solution and ensuring project success.
The data centre now offers higher service level capabilities to clients by providing real-time monitoring of key operational parameters while maintaining uncompromised security. This solution empowers clients with advanced analytics for real-time monitoring and data-driven decision-making, along with secure, high-performance OT data integration that adheres to rigorous cybersecurity standards.
ST Engineering’s successful partnership with Allied Solutions has helped to deliver a critical solution that meets modern infrastructure challenges. By bridging the gap between operational data accessibility and cybersecurity, the solution helps to safeguard critical systems in an era of growing digital threats.
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