Dependence on a few providers

However, dependencies on large technology providers have now emerged, which can slow down the possibilities of digitalization. The three most important cloud providers, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, are all based in the US. Those who have a quasi-monopoly on the market can exploit this position to control prices at will. Drastic price increases can place a significant strain on companies' budgets and undo the cost savings achieved through the implementation of digital processes.

Cyberattacks on the digital supply chain

The continuous increase in cybercrime also shows how fatal such dependencies can be. Not a day goes by without thousands of new malicious codes being put into circulation or news of a hacked organization making headlines. A targeted cyberattack on one of the tech giants in the market can have a domino effect, affecting all connected organizations. The situation could become even more critical if countries were to use political influence on their technology companies to use their market power as leverage against other countries.

Backdoors in IT security solutions

In a recent study on digital sovereignty by industry association Bitkom, 96 percent of the companies surveyed stated that they obtain digital services from abroad. The cybersecurity market in particular shows a one-sided concentration: none of the ten leading providers are based in Europe.

The frequent lack of transparency in security solutions can develop into an incalculable risk. Providers may consciously or unconsciously leave gaps or open up restrictions in encryption mechanisms. These backdoors make it possible to access sensitive data without being noticed. In May 2022, the BSI warned against using certain antivirus software because the Russian government could potentially gain access to the collected data.

Compliance risks

In the area of cloud infrastructure, the issue of provider concentration is closely linked to legal questions: The American Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act (CLOUD Act) grants US investigative authorities the right to access data stored in the cloud. This applies even if the data is located in data centers within the European Union. This creates a potential conflict for companies: while they are obliged to comply with European data protection rules under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), providers may at the same time be obliged to hand over data to non-European investigative authorities.  

Loss of sensitive data

In addition to compliance risks, innovation may also be at risk in the event of a data leak. If confidential information falls into the wrong hands, such as research documents, design data, or prototype designs, this can have significant economic consequences. If, for example, construction plans for a new product are stolen and a competitor launches a very similar product on the market shortly afterwards, not only is the development budget lost, but also the strategic advantage. At a time when data forms the basis for innovation and value creation, a lack of data sovereignty also poses a risk to the future success of a company.

Vendor lock-in

The situation becomes particularly critical when dependencies take the form of vendor lock-in. Many companies use cloud services or security solutions whose architecture or licensing model makes it difficult to switch to other providers. In addition, there are often technical hurdles due to proprietary formats and interfaces, which make migration time-consuming and costly. These dependencies are in direct contradiction to the concept of digital sovereignty, which is based on freedom of choice, control, and independence. 

Open source technologies play a central role in digital sovereignty. There is a large global network of experts who understand these solutions and can continue to develop them. This makes it easy to switch service providers, and the systems can be easily integrated or adapted to individual requirements.

For these reasons, Endian has decided to base its solutions on open source. With the Endian Secure Digital Platform, Endian now offers a solution that enables companies to manage their digital processes securely, flexibly, and independently. The Endian Secure Digital Platform consists of three elements: management tools, security gateways, and endpoint connectivity. Working together, they help companies protect their digital sovereignty.

Cybersecurity for IT and OT networks

The Endian Secure Digital Platform is based on EndianOS, an open source operating system developed according to the principle of security by design. This means that cybersecurity has been considered and integrated at every stage of development. A range of powerful security tools protect IT and OT networks from various cyber threats. A firewall can be used to block unwanted data traffic in advance. In addition, communication is analyzed using deep packet inspection (DPI) to filter out unwanted network traffic. An intrusion detection system (IDS) continuously monitors the network to detect potentially suspicious activity. If a potential threat is detected, the intrusion prevention system (IPS) immediately initiates automated countermeasures.

Zero Trust: Data protection and access control

Zero Trust is the security architecture of digital sovereignty. A Zero Trust architecture assumes that no access is trustworthy, regardless of whether it comes from inside or outside. Instead, every request must be verified, authenticated, and authorized. Micro-segmentation is an important part of the concept. It divides the network into small areas, each of which has its own access rules depending on its level of protection. Each connection is encrypted to protect data during transmission.

The way forward for compliance

The Endian Secure Digital Platform offers high security standards and helps companies comply with the most important guidelines for data protection and industrial security. Thanks to the high level of protection for personal data, user companies comply with the GDPR.

It can also help those seeking compliance with international standards and frameworks, such as ISO 27001 (information security management systems) and IEC 62443 (industrial control and automation systems). Some of these standards' technical requirements have already been implemented in the Endian Secure Digital Platform, for example through its zero-trust architecture. Furthermore, the platform assists companies in meeting the requirements of the new EU Directive on the protection of critical infrastructures (NIS2) by providing essential technical prerequisites for compliance.

Flexibility through open source

The Endian Secure Digital Platform is particularly flexible thanks to its open source technology. As an on-premises solution, it gives companies the choice of various hosting options: in the cloud, with a system house partner or in their own data centre. If business requirements change, migration to another hosting option is just as easy. Companies can also choose whether to use Endian solutions or existing products in terms of the hardware used. Endian software can transform any x86_64 hardware into a complete UTM.

Third-party applications

Endian uses Docker technology to enable any software to be run on edge devices. This software is executed in protected network segments so that no open ports can be targeted by attackers. At the same time, Endian's solution provides centralized management, enabling all edge applications and devices to be administered from a single platform. This architecture strengthens digital sovereignty in several ways. Firstly, companies retain the freedom to choose which tools they want to use. Encrypted communication ensures that data remains protected. If an application needs to be replaced, it is possible to switch to different software at any time.

Secure remote access

Remote access is essential for companies today in order to monitor machines, collect data, perform remote maintenance, or communicate with remote branches and employees. The Endian Secure Digital Platform also offers maximum security in this area. Granular role and rights management allows you to define who can access which resources, what data they can view, and what actions they are allowed to perform. All connections can be centrally monitored, changed, or deleted. Strong encryption and authentication methods ensure that data and systems remain protected against unauthorized access.