When machine manufacturers want to digitally network their installed base at the customer's site, they often encounter very heterogeneous connectivity options. Due to the long life cycles of industrial plants, many systems have been in use for years or decades, while newer generations already have modern communication interfaces when they leave the factory. Security gateways are suitable for the secure networking of existing plants (brownfield) as well as new systems. They form the central interface between the customer's plant and the operational IT infrastructure and ensure that data transmission, remote access, and service processes are protected by advanced cybersecurity tools.

Endian 4i gateways are suitable for use in industrial environments and feature a precisely coordinated portfolio of security functions for IT and OT systems. They support various connectivity options, from Ethernet and Wi-Fi to 5G, and are available as hardware, software, or virtual solutions. An important advantage for machine manufacturers is that existing gateways do not need to be replaced. With the 4i software or the virtual version, existing x86-based devices can be easily upgraded and turned into a connectivity solution for industrial systems. All common machine languages, such as S7 or Modbus, are supported. This allows companies to continue to use their investments without incurring additional hardware costs, while benefiting from modern security and networking functions.

Once all systems are networked, manufacturers can transfer the data to a central platform for evaluation. These analyses often reveal previously unknown correlations: for example, malfunctions can be detected at an early stage before they lead to breakdowns. Such predictive maintenance reduces downtime and increases machine availability for customers. At the same time, manufacturers can carry out maintenance as needed and use their resources more efficiently.

Digital sovereignty is crucial for machine manufacturers to benefit from their data: Manufacturers must retain control over their data at all times and be able to determine where it is stored and evaluated. They also need a solution that intelligently filters data to save bandwidth and keep costs under control.

Endian 4i security gateways have sufficient computing capacity for edge computing to preselect data before forwarding it to the Endian Secure Digital Platform. The platform clearly visualizes the information to identify patterns and anomalies before further disruptions occur. The platform is highly scalable, supports growth, and can be installed flexibly, either in the company's own network, at the system house, or in the cloud. This allows machine manufacturers to retain full control over their data while securing efficiency and economic benefits.

Thanks to secure remote maintenance, machine manufacturers can nowadys perform many service and maintenance tasks via the web without having to send engineers and technicians to the customer's site. Highly qualified specialists can do a lot of their work from the office or even from home, instead of spending their valuable working time traveling. This not only saves travel costs, but also improves working conditions for employees, reduces their carbon footprint, and creates room for growth.

In addition, remote access also enables the transition from a reactive to a proactive support model. For customers, this means less downtime, maximization of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), and an improved customer experience. Thanks to remote maintenance, machine manufacturers have many ways to strengthen their competitiveness.

The basis for these advantages is maximum security. Connected machines and networks, as well as transmitted data, must be protected against unauthorized access and malware at all times. Endian 4i gateways offer a coordinated set of security features for this purpose: All remote access is routed through an encrypted VPN. This establishes a virtual, secure connection between the corporate network and the remote user.

The Endian Secure Digital Platform allows the principle of minimal access rights to be implemented. Each user is only granted access to the resources necessary to perform his tasks. In addition, all access rights can be conveniently managed via the platform's central management tool, the Endian Switchboard. Login procedures already in use within the company, such as Microsoft Entra ID or Okta, can also be integrated here. Platform users are simply synchronized with the central company directory, which ensures greater security and reduces administrative overhead.

For remote access security, it is important to introduce the zero trust concept, which requires checking, verification, and authorization for every access.
Session management offers even more security: it is possible to approve each remote access only upon explicit request. Every single access is logged and the entire session is recorded. This ensures greater transparency.

Two-factor authentication is important for reducing the risk of insecure passwords. In addition to their password, users need a second factor to log in. A common method is ownership factor authentication, where users are sent a one-time password to their smartphone. 

Digitization is crucial for machinery manufacturing if it is to remain competitive internationally in the long term. However, increasing connectivity makes industrial companies more vulnerable to threats from the internet. According to the Bitkom study “Economic Protection 2025,” the damage caused by cyberattacks to the German economy rose to over 200 billion euros last year. Attackers can infiltrate malware into a company via unsecured interfaces, for example between the machine and remote maintenance software. For machine users, a successful attack can result in machine downtime, production losses, or dangers for employees and the environment. But machine manufacturers also face serious consequences. If a machine is compromised via remote access or insufficiently secured software components, this reflects badly on the manufacturer and causes damage to its reputation or liability claims.

Tailored cybersecurity is therefore becoming a necessity, and network segmentation is a fundamental measure. Network segmentation prevents malware that has entered the company from spreading unchecked. Endian 4i gateways are ideal for subdividing networks. Even a single machine or a specific section of it can represent a segment.

Endian 4i gateways are equipped with several finely tuned security solutions. A firewall blocks unwanted data traffic. In addition, it uses deep packet inspection to scan incoming data streams for potential risks.  

An intrusion detection and prevention system (IDPS) continuously monitors all network traffic to detect anomalies. An anomaly could be, for example, an unusually high volume of data exchange between a machine and an unknown device that is normally not connected to the network. In such a case, the IDPS can take immediate countermeasures, for example by cutting the connection. 

As digitization and connectivity increase, so does the risk of cyberattacks. Regulatory pressure is also mounting: Regulations and directives such as the GDPR, the European NIS2, and the industrial standard for cybersecurity IEC 62443 define clear requirements for the protection of data, networks, and critical automation systems.

The Endian Secure Digital Platform offers a security architecture that can address numerous regulatory requirements simultaneously:

GDPR and NIS2 require the protection of personal and critical data, while IEC demands controlled system access. Role-based access and the zero trust principle support all three regulations. Encryption and network segmentation are also relevant for data protection and network resilience. This reduces the attack surface and protects personal and operational data.

In addition, all three regulations require transparent monitoring and auditable evidence of security measures and incidents. Endian provides centralized logging of all accesses and a monitoring function for remote maintenance.