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Protect critical utility operations with zero trust security

Utility providers are responsible for delivering essential services that communities depend on every day. As operational technology (OT), industrial control systems and remote sites become increasingly connected, utilities face growing cybersecurity risks that can threaten service reliability, public safety and critical infrastructure.

From large metropolitan water authorities to regional energy cooperatives and public utility districts, organizations across the utility sector are adopting zero trust security to protect critical systems and enable secure remote access.

The challenge

Many utility networks still rely on legacy infrastructure that was never designed to withstand today's cyber threats.

As connectivity increases, so does the potential attack surface. Unauthorized access to operational systems can lead to:

  • Service disruptions and downtime
  • Compromised critical infrastructure
  • Damage to operational equipment
  • Data breaches and intellectual property loss
  • Risks to public health and safety
  • Regulatory and compliance challenges
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The OpenBlue Airwall solution

OpenBlue Airwall helps utilities secure critical infrastructure through a zero trust architecture that establishes trust before connectivity.

Rather than exposing systems to the public internet, Airwall creates secure, authenticated connections only between approved users, devices and applications. This approach significantly reduces the attack surface while simplifying access to remote sites and operational systems.

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Key benefits

  • Secure remote access for distributed facilities and field operations
  • Zero trust protection for OT and industrial control systems
  • Simple, scalable deployment across multiple sites
  • Reduced exposure to internet-based threats
  • Secure connectivity without complex network redesign
  • Consistent security policies across utility environments
  • Support for future growth and modernization initiatives

Whether managing dozens or hundreds of locations, utilities can securely connect critical assets while maintaining operational continuity and control.

Recent high-profile attacks have highlighted the urgent need for stronger protection across energy, water and wastewater systems.

  • Protecting the Power Grid from Growing Cyber Threats
  • Lessons from the Oldsmar Water Utility Cyberattack
  • Emerging Threats to Critical Infrastructure Networks
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Talk with an expert

Learn how OpenBlue Airwall can help your organization protect critical infrastructure, reduce cyber risk and enable secure remote access across utility operations.

Schedule consultation

What our customers are saying

“We are able to connect our remote sites quickly and cost-effectively, without any complex configuration changes. OpenBlue Airwall supports our security posture and has helped us achieve our goals.”

— Infrastructure Administrator, Large Metro Water Authority

“Airwall gives us peace of mind. It's a secure connectivity solution we trust. We can step away from it and be confident that our critical infrastructure is secure.”

— Protection Engineer, Regional Energy Cooperative

“We chose Airwall because of its ability to scale without a huge upfront investment. We knew the solution could scale to dozens or hundreds of sites if needed, with a straightforward growth path.”

— Control Systems Security Specialist, Large Energy Utility

Frequently asked questions

  • How does zero trust security protect utility infrastructure?
    Zero trust security protects utility infrastructure by requiring every user, device and connection to be verified before access is granted. Instead of assuming trust based on network location, a zero trust approach continuously enforces access controls and limits connectivity to authorized systems only. This helps reduce the risk of unauthorized access to critical utility assets, operational technology (OT), and remote facilities.
  • How can utilities securely access remote sites?
    Utilities often manage distributed infrastructure such as substations, water treatment facilities, pumping stations, and field equipment that require remote access for monitoring and maintenance. OpenBlue Airwall enables secure remote connectivity by establishing trusted, encrypted connections between authorized users and approved systems without exposing critical infrastructure to the public internet.
  • What is OT cybersecurity for utilities?
    Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity focuses on protecting the systems and devices that support the delivery of essential utility services. This includes industrial control systems (ICS), SCADA systems, sensors, monitoring equipment and other operational assets used by energy, water and wastewater providers. Strong OT cybersecurity helps organizations maintain service reliability, protect public safety and reduce the risk of operational disruptions caused by cyber threats.
  • How can energy and water providers reduce cyber risk?
    Energy and water providers can strengthen cybersecurity by implementing zero trust security principles, network segmentation, secure remote access and centralized policy management. These measures help limit access to critical systems, reduce the attack surface and improve visibility across utility environments while supporting day-to-day operations.
  • How does OpenBlue Airwall support critical infrastructure protection?
    OpenBlue Airwall helps protect critical infrastructure by creating secure, identity-based connections between authorized users, devices and systems. Using a zero trust architecture, Airwall reduces exposure to cyber threats, supports secure remote access and enables network segmentation across distributed utility operations. This helps organizations strengthen security while maintaining operational continuity.
  • Why is remote access security important for utility organizations?
    Utilities rely on remote access to support field personnel, operations teams, contractors and equipment vendors. Without proper security controls, remote connections can become a potential entry point for cyber threats. Secure remote access solutions help ensure only authorized users can access designated systems while protecting critical infrastructure from unauthorized activity.
  • What types of utility systems can OpenBlue Airwall help secure?
    OpenBlue Airwall can help secure a wide range of utility infrastructure, including:
    • Water treatment facilities
    • Wastewater treatment systems
    • Electrical substations
    • Energy generation and distribution systems
    • SCADA and industrial control systems
    • Remote monitoring equipment
    • Field devices and sensors
    • Operational technology (OT) networks
    • Distributed utility sites and facilities
  • How does network segmentation improve utility cybersecurity?
    Network segmentation separates critical infrastructure systems from other network environments, helping reduce attack pathways and limit the spread of cyber threats. By controlling communications between users, devices and systems, utilities can strengthen protection for essential operations while maintaining secure connectivity across facilities and remote sites.
  • How can utilities scale cybersecurity across multiple locations?
    Managing security across numerous facilities and remote sites can be challenging. OpenBlue Airwall supports centralized policy management, allowing organizations to apply consistent security controls across distributed environments while accommodating the specific access requirements of individual sites, systems and users.
  • How can utilities modernize infrastructure without increasing cyber risk?
    As utilities adopt new technologies, remote monitoring capabilities, and digital transformation initiatives, cybersecurity must evolve alongside them. A zero trust architecture helps organizations securely connect modern and legacy systems, enforce consistent access policies, and protect critical infrastructure while supporting operational efficiency and future growth.