Industrial remote access refers to the ability to access and control equipment and systems from a remote location. This capability is critical in modern manufacturing, allowing engineers, technicians, and operators to monitor, diagnose, and manage machinery without being physically present at the site. This access is achieved through secure communication channels, ensuring that sensitive industrial processes are not compromised.
Scalable industrial remote access solution provides several benefits, including improved efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced maintenance capabilities. By enabling remote troubleshooting and adjustments, companies can respond quickly to issues, often before they lead to significant disruptions. This capability is particularly valuable in geographically dispersed operations, where sending personnel to each site would be time-consuming and costly.
While remote access and remote monitoring are often mentioned together , they serve distinct functions: while remote monitoring is focused on observing and reporting the status of industrial equipment, remote access includes the capability to intervene and manage these systems.
Remote Monitoring involves the real-time observation of equipment and processes from a remote location. Through sensors and communication networks, data from industrial systems is collected and transmitted to a central monitoring station. The primary goal of remote monitoring is to provide visibility into the operation of machinery and systems to ensure they are functioning correctly and to identify potential issues before they escalate. It does not involve direct intervention or control of the equipment.
In contrast, remote access goes a step further by allowing authorized personnel to not only monitor but also interact with and control industrial equipment from afar. This means engineers and technicians can adjust, update software, and even reset systems remotely. Remote access requires more sophisticated security measures to protect against unauthorized access and ensure the integrity of the industrial systems.
Industrial and personal remote access both use secure tunnels to connect devices on different networks. The key difference is in complexity and security.
In high-stakes environments like manufacturing or critical infrastructure, remote access demands stringent security measures to mitigate operational and safety risks. By contrast, personal remote access typically involves less complexity.
Systems used in automation or critical operations must ensure high reliability and comply with rigorous standards, such as IEC 62443 for cybersecurity in industrial automation. VPNs tailored for these environments provide secure management of large-scale machinery, emphasizing the importance of robust security to prevent disruptions.
In remote access technologies, VPNs are compared with solutions like SASE and site-to-site connections. SASE integrates security services with VPN, while site-to-site links separate networks.
Despite SASE's cloud-based security, VPNs are reliable and secure, favored in industrial settings for their robust protection and compliance.
VPNs will continue to evolve with emerging threats, integrating more with cloud services and enhancing security protocols.
In the digital age, where remote work and remote system management have become essential, remote access via Virtual Private Network is a cornerstone for industry and machine builders.
Industrial VPN offers a secure means to monitor, manage, and control machinery and systems over long distances, allowing operators to access critical data and respond promptly when necessary.
With the digital revolution in the industrial world, it is crucial to examine this technology to fully understand its potential, both in terms of data protection and operational efficiency improvement.
An Industrial VPN creates a direct and secure link between the user's device and the corporate network allowing access to protect machinery and equipment.
Corvina Remote Access VPN, part of the Corvina Platform, offers high-speed remote connections to HMI, Gateway, and machinery components. Its multi-server architecture automatically connects to the nearest server, optimizing performance. The user-friendly web interface allows easy configuration and customization of applications and profiles for each machine component. Access is tailored through user roles, granting specific permissions.
Equipped with Direct Access, Corvina VPN provides swift entry into applications and endpoints via a simplified interface. Users can connect quickly using any device, enhancing control over machinery. The VPN ensures optimal performance by selecting the best server based on source IP, requiring no user configuration, and supports seamless remote access and management.
Ensuring robust security is essential for an effective VPN, requiring advanced encryption, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring to protect sensitive information. Unlike other remote services, VPNs provide secure connections. Industrial VPNs must use advanced authentication and encryption to safeguard interconnected systems, emphasizing the need for strong security measures.
Remote access in industrial automation enables equipment monitoring, maintenance, and control from any location, but it poses security challenges. Key components for secure access include:
Industrial VPNs ensure secure remote connections with specific features to protect data in transit, making it unreadable if intercepted. Dive deeper in security mechanisms, discover how to integrate firewall e key cybersecurity practice in the dedicated article.
To improve the security of an industrial VPN, consider implementing several key measures. Employing strong authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication, adds an extra layer of security beyond just usernames and passwords. This can include biometric verification or one-time passwords, ensuring that only authorized users gain access to your systems.
Regularly updating your VPN software is also crucial; keeping it up to date with the latest security patches and updates protects against vulnerabilities and potential threats. Implementing network segmentation by dividing your network into segments can limit the potential impact of a breach, helping to contain any security incidents to a smaller portion of your network.
Continuously monitoring VPN usage for any unusual activity and conducting regular audits to ensure compliance with security policies are also essential practices. This proactive approach aids in detecting and responding to potential security threats promptly.
Corvina enhances VPN security through various applications designed to ensure a secure connection. One of its key features is the OTP (One-Time Password) functionality, which offers a robust method for multi-factor authentication. By requiring users to provide a unique, time-sensitive code in addition to their regular login credentials, this feature adds an extra layer of security.
Additionally, Corvina supports outgoing connections only, which minimizes the risk of unauthorized inbound access and significantly enhances network security. This approach ensures that only approved and authenticated requests are allowed to interact with the network.
Furthermore, Corvina provides OTA (Over-The-Air) updates to maintain cybersecurity patches up to date. Regular updates help protect against known vulnerabilities and ensure that the system remains secure against emerging threats.
Implementing an industrial VPN requires careful evaluation of the hardware to ensure secure, reliable, and efficient remote access. The selected hardware must support internet connectivity via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or 4G/5G and act as a firewall, serving as the sole access point to the machine from the external environment.
A robust and secure hardware setup enhances protection against unauthorized access and strengthens the safety and integrity of industrial automation systems. By prioritizing hardware that meets high-security and performance standards, organizations can effectively safeguard their operations.
Does a software VPN require hardware? Yes, a software VPN requires hardware, though not necessarily specific one. While a software VPN primarily relies on software to create secure connections, it cannot function without underlying hardware.
The hardware provides the necessary processing power, storage, and network interfaces to support VPN operations. As long as a piece of hardware can guarantee these characteristics, it can serve as a VPN access point. This means that a variety of hardware solutions, from servers and routers to certain advanced devices, can be employed to enable a VPN, provided they meet the necessary performance and security requirements.
Selecting the appropriate hardware for an industrial VPN requires careful consideration of technical requirements, application scenarios, and future needs. Here are the key factors to guide your decision:
Technical Specifications and Capacity:
Choose hardware that meets or exceeds the required technical specifications. A VPN access point may also support additional applications, making it prudent to overestimate CPU and RAM capacity to handle heavier workloads effectively. An Industrial PC with an integrated VPN agent is often the best choice, offering robust computational power alongside an efficient VPN server. Ensure the hardware aligns with the customer's specific requirements to guarantee optimal performance.
Size and Form Factor for Portability Needs:
The hardware’s size and form factor should align with its intended use. For mobile remote access scenarios, smaller devices like compact gateways are ideal. These devices are energy-efficient and well-suited for applications such as fleet management in mines. Conversely, non-portable applications may benefit from larger hardware solutions that provide greater performance and data throughput.
Wired and Wireless Connectivity Options:
Determine whether wireless connectivity is essential for current or future use cases. While all hardware-based VPNs support wired connections, not all include wireless functionality. For scenarios where wireless access might be needed, select hardware that supports both wired and wireless connections. Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs), such as the JSmart Series, provide an excellent all-in-one solution, offering Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), Wi-Fi, and PCAP touchscreens. These features allow operators to activate VPN services directly when necessary, ensuring flexibility and ease of use.
An HMI or an Industrial PC both can work as VPN access point, as seen in paragraphs above hardware features depends on end-customer needs. Here are the key considerations for using a non-VPN-gateway as a VPN access point:
In summary, while HMIs can function as VPN access points, they must meet specific technical criteria to do so effectively. Assessing the HMI's capabilities and aligning them with customer needs is essential for ensuring a secure and efficient setup.
An VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure and encrypted connection over the internet between remote users and industrial systems such as PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers). This ensures that data transmitted between the remote device and the network is protected from unauthorized access and cyber threats. The VPN masks the data, making it unreadable to anyone intercepting the transmission, thus maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of the data.
Typically, PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) are equipped with basic firmware to maintain straightforward logic for efficient machinery control, without extensive built-in software for remote access. Therefore, to connect to a PLC remotely, external hardware such as a gateway or an HMI is required. These devices facilitate remote connectivity, allowing users to connect, configure, troubleshoot, or access live data from controllers wirelessly over Bluetooth, cellular, or WLAN.
Gateways can be mounted onto a controller cabinet and connected via Ethernet, Serial RS-232/485, or CAN to the PLC. This setup enables remote access to the PLC and its live data from a distance, ensuring efficient and flexible management of industrial automation systems.
To set up a VPN, select a provider, install the client software, and create an account if needed. Configure server details, enable authentication like multi-factor, and connect. Keep the connection secure and update the software regularly.
With Corvina, the VPN is embedded in the device. Activation is simple with an activation key, establishing the connection automatically.
For more details, see the support section.
Implementing Remote Access Technologies is the enabling factor for the new era of automation. Automation is a critical factor in boosting productivity and efficiency within the manufacturing sector. The ability to remotely access industrial automation equipment becomes pivotal, allowing manufacturers to oversee and update their machinery from any location and at any time. Remote access allows engineers and technicians to monitor, control, and troubleshoot machinery and systems from anywhere in the world, minimizing the need for on-site visits. This capability leads to faster response times for maintenance and repairs, optimizing production processes and reducing the likelihood of prolonged equipment outages.
The Remote access to a machinery can be done via different path, in base of the specific need it must be used a different channel to access the machinery.
The VPN is a fundamental path to be able to access directly to machinery control, in fact, even if the VPN is only in output, the remote operator can proactively access to PLCs, HMIs or other connected hardware on site.
Additionally, VPNs designed for industrial environments provide secure, encrypted connections between remote users and operational networks, protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access and cyber threats. These VPNs also ensure the integrity and confidentiality of communications, which is essential for safeguarding proprietary information and complying with industry regulations.
Choosing the right VPN provider for your industrial needs requires careful consideration of several key factors.
First, assess the provider's security, encryption, and industry reputation to ensure data protection and compliance. Choose providers with strong customer support and a user-friendly interface for easy VPN management, minimizing downtime and simplifying setup.
Scalability is crucial. Choose a provider whose solutions can expand with your business, accommodating more devices and network needs. Also, consider cost by evaluating pricing models to fit your budget and future requirements.
VPN service pricing typically falls into three categories:
It is crucial to evaluate the long-term costs at the beginning of the partnership. A solution that appears cheaper initially might become more expensive over time as your device count grows. Carefully analyze and compare the pricing structures to find the most cost-effective solution for your needs, both now and in the future.
Choosing a VPN in the industrial environment becomes crucial under several specific circumstances.
Remote access technologies, especially VPN solutions, are critical for businesses navigating the challenges of a connected world. They empower customers to securely manage and monitor machines across multiple locations, address software issues remotely, and collaborate with third-party vendors—all while reducing costs and improving efficiency.
At EXOR International and CORVINA, we provide tools to help customers take control of their operations with confidence. Whether it’s through HMI devices with built-in VPN capabilities, the MicroEdge Basic VPN gateway for secure multi-device connectivity, or the scalable Corvina Platform, our solutions are designed to integrate seamlessly into your workflows. These technologies prioritize simplicity, security, and reliability, enabling businesses to stay connected and productive while focusing on what they do best.