Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation (NYSE: ROK ), announced that Fortinet, a global leader in broad, integrated and automated cybersecurity solutions, has joined as a Gold Technology Partner PartnerNetwork program.
Together, Fortinet and Rockwell Automation will be able to provide customers around the world with robust cybersecurity protection through the convergence of advanced networking and security capabilities. The differences between operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) environments mean that ICS systems are often exposed to different cybersecurity risks and unique threat environments, requiring security solutions tailored to their challenges. Fortinet has years of experience securing OT environments, and its solutions help connected organizations secure, consolidate, and extend their security.
Traditionally, OT companies have relied on “air gaps” as an important part of their security strategies. Exposure of ICS components to cyber threats can be reduced by ensuring that there is no network connection between OT and IT networks. But today, the air gap between OT and IT networks is rapidly collapsing. As a leading provider of OT security solutions, Fortinet will help Rockwell securely support its growing customer base around the world.
“Increasingly, Rockwell customers are looking for ways in which connected products or services can provide new revenue streams,” said Dan DeYoung, Vice President of Product Management, Rockwell Automation. But digital transformation initiatives must be secure, so they require Fortinet products can “help them achieve their goals. Our customers are looking for ways to reduce complexity with integrated security products designed specifically for OT environments. Partnering with Fortinet provides the security effectiveness and reliability they need. “
“Companies will continue to see the convergence of OT and IT, an evolution that will have a significant impact on manufacturing cybersecurity,” said John Maddison, executive vice president of products and chief marketing officer, Fortinet. “Fortinet’s partnership with Rockwell Automation will help customers safely navigate their digital transformation journeys. Our collaboration with Rockwell will support securely connected organizations by reducing their exposure to cyber threats and Help them centrally view and manage their security architecture.”