Siemens Launches Zero Trust Platform for Industrial Network Security

Siemens has launched SINEC Secure Connect, a zero trust security platform designed specifically for operational technology networks that simplifies protection for industrial systems. The new solution replaces traditional VPNs with identity-verified connections and granular access controls, addressing growing cybersecurity threats facing manufacturing and critical infrastructure operators.

Zero Trust Architecture for Industrial Environments

SINEC Secure Connect implements a zero trust security model that assumes no device or user should be inherently trusted, regardless of location. The platform establishes end-to-end encrypted connections between authorized devices while preventing lateral movement across networks through policy-based controls. This approach marks a significant departure from traditional perimeter-based security that has proven inadequate for modern industrial networks where IT and OT systems increasingly converge.

The platform’s architecture eliminates broad network access typically created by conventional VPNs, instead implementing granular controls that verify every connection attempt. “Traditional network security approaches struggle with the convergence of IT and OT systems, creating vulnerabilities when industrial systems connect to cloud services, remote access points, and external partner networks,” says Michael Metzler, Vice President of Horizontal Management Cybersecurity for Digital Industries at Siemens. This zero trust framework aligns with the NIST Zero Trust Architecture guidelines and helps organizations comply with IEC 62443 cybersecurity standards for industrial automation and control systems.

Simplified Deployment and Management

SINEC Secure Connect virtualizes network structures using overlay networks that require only outbound connections, significantly reducing configuration complexity compared to traditional firewall-based approaches. The platform supports flexible deployment options including on-premises, cloud, and hybrid configurations, allowing organizations to adapt to existing infrastructure constraints while maintaining operational continuity.

The solution’s simplified administration eliminates the need for complex IP-based machine management that typically burdens OT security teams. Built-in redundancy makes the platform suitable for high-availability industrial environments where downtime is unacceptable. According to Gartner research, organizations implementing zero trust network access can reduce security administration time by up to 50% compared to traditional VPN solutions. The platform also integrates with Siemens’ existing SCALANCE portfolio, enabling companies to leverage current equipment investments while upgrading their security posture.

Addressing Critical Industrial Security Challenges

Industrial operators face mounting pressure from both sophisticated cyber threats and administrative complexity as connectivity expands. The platform enables secure Machine-to-Machine, Machine-to-Cloud, and Machine-to-Datacenter connections while providing protected remote access to industrial systems. This addresses a critical need as industrial control systems become increasingly interconnected.

The solution protects shop floor devices from unauthorized external access while maintaining necessary operational connectivity. This balanced approach is particularly important given that manufacturing was the second-most attacked industry in 2024, accounting for nearly 25% of all cyber incidents. By implementing identity-verified connections and micro-segmentation, SINEC Secure Connect helps prevent the type of lateral movement that has enabled major industrial cyber incidents in recent years, including the Colonial Pipeline attack that disrupted critical infrastructure across the eastern United States.

Future Implications for Industrial Cybersecurity

The introduction of SINEC Secure Connect represents a significant shift in how industrial organizations approach network security. As operational technology becomes increasingly connected to enterprise networks and cloud services, the zero trust model provides a framework for secure digital transformation. The platform’s ability to enable secure remote access while maintaining protection aligns with the growing trend of distributed industrial operations and remote monitoring.

Industry experts predict that zero trust architectures will become the standard for industrial cybersecurity as connectivity requirements continue to expand. The platform’s compliance with international standards and integration with existing Siemens ecosystems positions it to support organizations through their digitalization journeys while maintaining robust security postures. As manufacturing and critical infrastructure face evolving threats, solutions that simplify security administration while enhancing protection will become increasingly essential for operational resilience.