IoT & OT Security: IEC 62443, Zero Trust, PKI/HSM, mTLS, XDR & PQC
Secure industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA, and IoT/edge devices with a partner that designs for Zero Trust from day one. We map your estate to the Purdue Model, implement micro‑segmentation, deploy industrial XDR/EDR, and enforce PKI/HSM‑backed device identity with mTLS, secure boot, and signed OTA.
By Steve Monti — SafeCipher Ltd ·
Quick definition
IoT & OT security protects industrial networks and devices (ICS/SCADA, IIoT, edge) using IEC 62443 and NIST SP 800‑82 aligned controls: Zero Trust segmentation (Purdue Model), PKI/HSM for device identity and mTLS, secure boot and signed OTA, plus industrial XDR/EDR and a pragmatic PQC roadmap.
Industrial Cryptographic Key Management
Key lifecycle management for PLCs, RTUs, gateways, and HMIs. Enforce device identity, mTLS, and least‑privilege using PKI/HSM and certificate automation.
Industrial XDR & EDR
Deploy EDR/XDR tuned for OT protocols and asset types; integrate with SOC runbooks for rapid containment without operational disruption.
Post‑Quantum Cryptography Readiness
Crypto inventories, hybrid certificate rollouts, and crypto‑agile policies to mitigate HNDL risk for long‑lived industrial data.
Purdue Model & Zero Trust Segmentation
We map assets and data flows across Purdue levels (0–5), implement segmentation via firewalls and identity‑aware gateways, and define allow‑list policies to stop lateral movement while preserving deterministic operations.
PKI/HSM, mTLS, Secure Boot & Signed OTA
We build an authoritative OT asset inventory (HBOM/SBOM, topology, firmware), and enforce cryptographic controls: PKI/HSM for device identity, mTLS for east‑west and north‑south trust, secure boot to prevent tampering, and signed OTA for safe updates. Explore our Cryptographic Audits and PKI Services.
Industrial XDR & EDR
We integrate industrial XDR/EDR for real‑time detection across PLCs, RTUs, HMIs, historians, and gateways. Use allow‑listed controls, passive monitoring, and OT‑safe response playbooks.
Post‑Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Readiness
Prepare your OT environments for future threats with staged, hybrid certificate rollouts and crypto‑agility. Prioritise long‑lived telemetry, firmware distribution, and safety‑critical links. See our Quantum PKI Transition guidance.
Controls at a glance
| Control area | What we do | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Segmentation (Purdue) | Micro‑segments, gateways, allow‑lists | Lateral movement contained |
| Device identity | PKI/HSM, mTLS, cert automation | Strong mutual authentication |
| Firmware integrity | Secure boot, signed OTA | Tamper‑resistant updates |
| Detection & response | Industrial XDR/EDR, SOC playbooks | Faster, OT‑safe response |
| PQC readiness | Crypto inventories, hybrid rollouts | Reduced HNDL exposure |
| Compliance | IEC 62443, NIST SP 800‑82 mapping | Audit‑ready evidence |
Decision checklist
- ☑ Purdue mapping & critical data flows documented
- ☑ Segmentation policy with identity‑aware enforcement
- ☑ PKI/HSM for device identity, mTLS everywhere feasible
- ☑ Secure boot + signed OTA, with evidence of integrity
- ☑ Industrial XDR/EDR tuned to OT constraints
- ☑ PQC roadmap & crypto‑agile policies
- ☑ IEC 62443/NIST SP 800‑82 alignment & artefacts
FAQs
Can you deploy Zero Trust without disrupting operations?
Yes—we stage controls by Purdue layer, start with visibility and allow‑lists, then tighten policies with operator sign‑off and rollback plans.
Do you support legacy PLCs that lack crypto?
We use gateways, proxies, and compensating controls to provide identity and segmentation without invasive firmware changes.
How do you manage certificates at scale?
With automated issuance/rotation, short‑lived certs where possible, and central policy using PKI/HSM. See our PKI services.
Speak to an OT Security Specialist
Tell us about your OT/IoT estate and uptime constraints. We’ll propose a pragmatic, audit‑ready design.