Fortinet Operational Technology (OT) Security Specialists | South Africa

Preferred partner and approved distributor of Fortinet OT/IT segmentation and segregation security solutions

Staro Process Control (Pty) Ltd. stands at the forefront of Industrial Automation in South Africa, proudly serving the Mining and Heavy Industrial sectors since 1996. As the preferred partner and approved distributor of Fortinet OT/IT segmentation and segregation security solutions, we empower South African businesses with robust cybersecurity tailored for converged IT-OT networks. Our expertise—firmly rooted in our long-standing heritage in automation and a dynamic group structure covering supply chain, engineering & design, manufacturing, and construction services—ensures that we deliver comprehensive, state-of-the-art security solutions that protect critical infrastructure and industrial operations.

Understanding OT Security and Its Importance

What is Operational Technology (OT)?
Operational Technology (OT) encompasses the hardware and software used to monitor and control physical processes, devices, and infrastructure. Found across asset-intensive sectors—ranging from manufacturing and energy to transportation and utilities—OT systems include industrial control systems (ICS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, and distributed control systems (DCS). These systems manage everything from critical infrastructure monitoring to the control of manufacturing robots and IIoT devices such as sensors, actuators, and PLCs.

Defining OT Security
OT Security is the practice of protecting people, assets, and information by monitoring and controlling physical devices, processes, and events. As digital innovation drives IT and OT networks closer together, traditional point solutions often lead to fragmented security measures. Fortinet’s integrated Security Fabric approach, which we deliver at Staro Process Control, ensures that OT environments are safeguarded through a cohesive strategy that covers next-generation firewalls (NGFWs), security information and event management (SIEM) systems, identity access management, and more. This comprehensive approach addresses the unique vulnerabilities that arise when air-gapped OT systems become interconnected with IT networks.

Challenges with IT and OT Convergence
Historically, OT systems were isolated and considered secure; however, with the advent of digital transformation and remote access, these systems are now exposed to modern cyber threats. Traditional separations between the COO’s OT network and the CIO’s IT network have led to duplicated efforts and blind spots, creating significant vulnerabilities. By leveraging Fortinet’s Security Fabric, Staro Process Control integrates and harmonizes IT and OT security, ensuring full visibility, enhanced threat detection, and rapid response across the entire network.

Key Components of Operational Technology

Industrial Control Systems (ICS):
ICS encompasses the various devices and networks that control industrial processes, including SCADA and DCS systems. SCADA collects data from distributed sensors and transmits it to centralized management systems, while DCS systems manage local controllers within production facilities.

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) Devices:
IIoT devices are the smallest yet critical elements of OT. They include a diverse array of sensors, monitors, actuators, and controllers that are deployed on or near OT equipment—from generators and pipelines to programmable logic controllers (PLC) and industrial robots.

IT vs. OT:
It is essential to differentiate between IT, which manages data and ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, and OT, which directly controls physical processes. The convergence of IT and OT in digital innovation requires new security strategies that protect both data and physical operations.

The Imperative of Effective OT Security

The Stakes Are High
Inadequate OT security can lead to catastrophic consequences—ranging from disrupted operations in critical services such as water treatment and traffic management to severe industrial accidents. Fortinet’s approach to OT security is designed to mitigate these risks by offering integrated, proactive protection that reduces the attack surface, minimizes lateral movement, and quickly isolates potential threats.

Building a Resilient Security Fabric
Fortinet’s Security Fabric seamlessly integrates multiple security technologies to provide:

• Visibility: Comprehensive monitoring of every device on the IT-OT network ensures that all assets are accounted for, and any deviations from normal behavior are quickly flagged.
• Control: Advanced policies, including network segmentation and multifactor authentication, guarantee that only authorized users can access critical systems.
• Continuous Monitoring: Real-time traffic analysis and behavioral analytics provide ongoing insights, enabling rapid response and continuous improvement in security posture.

Staro Process Control, as a trusted advisor and supplier, utilizes these capabilities to deliver security solutions that protect not only data but also the integrity and safety of physical operations.

Network Segmentation and Its Role in OT Security

What is Network Segmentation?
Network segmentation divides a large network into smaller, isolated subnets, providing enhanced control over data traffic and limiting the spread of potential attacks. This strategy is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information such as customer data, financial records, and intellectual property.

Segmentation vs. Microsegmentation vs. Intent-Based Segmentation:

• Traditional Segmentation: Uses physical or logical divisions (such as VLANs and access control lists) to isolate network traffic.
• Microsegmentation: Applies granular security policies to individual workloads, minimizing risk by creating multiple, isolated zones within the network.
• Intent-Based Segmentation: Integrates traditional segmentation with zero-trust principles, dynamically managing access based on real-time risk and trust assessments.

These segmentation strategies, when implemented with Fortinet’s advanced FortiGate NGFWs, help ensure that any potential breach is confined and that critical systems remain isolated from unauthorized access.

Fortinet Products & Services Offered by Staro Process Control

Integrated OT/IT Security Solutions
Staro Process Control delivers a full suite of Fortinet products and services tailored to the South African market. Our offerings include:

• FortiGate Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFWs): Ruggedized and designed for harsh industrial environments, FortiGate NGFWs provide advanced threat protection and network segmentation.
• Security Fabric Integration: Seamless integration across IT and OT networks to deliver shared threat intelligence and automated incident response.
• OT Security Assessments: Comprehensive evaluations that map your OT security posture against the six pillars of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0), identifying gaps and opportunities for enhanced protection.
• Customized Deployment and Support: With a focus on the mining, heavy industrial, and automation sectors, our experienced team offers end-to-end support—from design and implementation to ongoing management and compliance.

Why Choose Fortinet for OT Security?
Fortinet is the only vendor that provides a truly integrated security fabric, covering the unique demands of converged IT-OT environments. With a proven track record in protecting critical infrastructure and industrial operations, Fortinet’s solutions are designed to withstand extreme operational conditions while delivering high performance and advanced threat detection.

Network Segmentation FAQs

What is meant by network segmentation?
Network segmentation divides a network into smaller segments or subnets, enabling more effective traffic management and enhanced security by isolating critical systems from potential threats.

What are the three main benefits of network segmentation?

1. Enhanced Security: Limits the spread of malware and restricts unauthorized access.
2. Improved Performance: Reduces congestion and optimizes network performance.
3. Simplified Monitoring and Response: Facilitates quicker detection of anomalies and streamlines incident response efforts.

Staro Process Control: Your Trusted Partner in OT Security

At Staro Process Control, we live the passion of being your trusted advisor and reliable supplier of Industrial Automation solutions. Our extensive experience in the mining and heavy industrial sectors, combined with our expertise as Fortinet Operational Technology (OT) Security Specialists | South Africa, positions us to deliver best-in-class OT security solutions that safeguard your critical assets and processes. Our commitment to ethical business practices, safety, quality, and an environmentally friendly work environment reinforces our promise to provide unparalleled service and support.

Whether you need to secure an industrial control system, implement advanced network segmentation, or integrate IT and OT security strategies, Staro Process Control is ready to partner with you for a safer, more secure operational environment.

Fortinet Operational Technology (OT) Security Specialists | South Africa
Staro Process Control (Pty) Ltd. remains dedicated to delivering innovative Fortinet security solutions that empower South African businesses. By choosing our integrated security approach, you ensure that your organization benefits from cutting-edge technology, robust network segmentation, and comprehensive OT security—designed specifically for the challenging industrial landscapes of South Africa.

Download documents

Download documents