Who’s Guarding the Guards? Cyber Security Solutions for Security Systems

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CyberSeal – a member of the Magal Group – offers a comprehensive solution for protecting security networks on all levels. In addition, the company provides protection for security systems monitoring the site’s cellular environment, warning against attacks on cellular subscribers on site and preventing unauthorized usage of cellular communication.

Magal is a world leader in physical protection systems for areas and facilities, including traditional security means such as cameras, smart fences, gates, access control and guards. However, company management notes that considering the profusion of sensors, progress in communication technology and the migration to IP networks, security systems have transformed into “private” computer networks, connecting cameras, sensors, controllers and SOCs (Security Operation Centers). These changes present fascinating opportunities such as video streams to a guard’s cell-phone, remote control of unattended gates, etc.

This modernization brings new challenges – exposure of security networks to new kinds of threats. In order to damage a critical site an attacker is no longer needs to physically reach its security systems; today this can be achieved from the outside, for example, by using the link of the camera streaming video to the SOC.

Attacks on security system communication networks may risk the site’s security all the way from neutralizing the video camera/s, or even by taking down the entire security system. Just imagine the potential damage of taking down the security system of an airport or a nuclear power plant. According to the Magal management Such attacks on electricity and transportation infrastructure, for example, are witnessed on an almost daily basis, resulting in significant financial, operational and security damage. Protecting these communication networks is therefore an urgent necessity rather than a futuristic vision.

IHLS – Israel Homeland Security

The highest level of protection for these networks takes into consideration common characteristics such as communication topology, the protocols used, and the communication regime. Compared to standard IT networks, that frequently breathe and change, the architecture and structure of security networks is mostly static, with very few changes in the network’s environment. Locking the communication regime and banning net deviations for months is therefore practical.

In order to protect security system networks CyberSeal deploys designated protection components capable of monitoring communication between all network components; warning against any deviation from authorized protocols; revealing hidden malware; and identifing unusual communication traffic behavior or any exception from communication regime (who is speaking with who).

CyberSeal offers its clients a comprehensive protection solution for security system, incorporating several components:

• Tungsten – a communication switch featuring unique protection for different network components against cyber-attacks
• Cobalt – a diode for unidirectional connection between different networks
• Rubidium – a cyber-threat management system for security rooms (SIEM)
• Vanadium – a warning system against attacks on cellular subscribers on site
• Yttrium – a system preventing unauthorized usage of cellular communication within the compound of a protected site