OT-Security
OT security is a key issue because industrial control and automation systems are increasingly networked, making them more vulnerable to cyberattacks - a successful attack can not only cause production downtime, but also jeopardize the safety of people and critical infrastructure. ALPSCALE supports companies in OT security by identifying vulnerabilities in existing systems, developing customized security concepts and implementing modern protective measures such as network segmentation, monitoring and access controls - for end-to-end, practical protection of industrial systems.
Planning of new systems or extensions
When renewing or expanding systems in industry and the critical sector, there are several key aspects to consider: Security requirements: New components must meet the highest OT security standards to protect systems against cyber attacks. Compatibility & integration: New technologies must be able to be integrated smoothly into existing infrastructures - without production downtime or data loss. Future-proof: Investments should be scalable and updatable in order to cover future requirements (e.g. due to regulation or digitalization). Availability & redundancy: High system availability and reliability are essential, especially in the critical sector. Standards & regulations: All measures must comply with applicable regulations such as IT-SiG 2.0, IEC 62443 or industry-specific standards. Transparent communication: Changes should be clearly documented and all relevant stakeholders (e.g. IT, OT, operators) should be involved at an early stage. ALPSCALE provides holistic support for this process - from planning and secure implementation to long-term support.
Systemintegration
System integration in the area of IT and OT means connecting two previously often separate worlds - traditional IT (information technology) and operational technology (OT) - securely, efficiently and sensibly. This typically includes Creating data bridges: OT systems such as PLC, SCADA or DCS are connected to IT systems such as ERP, MES or cloud platforms to enable data to flow and be used. Protocol translation & middleware: Different protocols (e.g. OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus) are harmonized, often with the help of gateways or platforms. Network architecture & segmentation: Clear demarcation and defined interfaces between IT and OT to ensure security and stability (e.g. through DMZs). Security by design: Security mechanisms such as firewalls, access controls and monitoring are integrated from the outset in order to minimize attack surfaces. Standardization & interoperability: Systems are integrated in such a way that they remain future-proof and flexibly expandable - if possible on the basis of established standards. Centralized monitoring & management: A higher-level system enables a holistic view of IT and OT components for greater transparency and efficiency. In this context, Alpscale offers customized solutions to link IT and OT securely and intelligently - for end-to-end processes, better data availability and resilient industrial plants.
industrial Internet of Things
New wireless standards such as LoRaWAN, NB-IoT or 5G can be combined particularly efficiently with MQTT and the Sparkplug industrial protocol framework - especially in distributed, scalable IoT and OT environments. Example: Efficient use A LoRaWAN sensor (e.g. for temperature or fill level) sends its data to a central MQTT broker via a gateway. Sparkplug automatically structures the message in such a way that a SCADA platform can immediately assign the data correctly - including timestamp, unit and device status. Data traffic remains minimal and the system can be analyzed immediately. Advantages of this combination: Low latency and bandwidth Standardized communication even in heterogeneous OT environments Simple scaling and integration of new devices Energy-efficient and robust - ideal for industry and critical infrastructure
IoT-Gateways
An IoT gateway collects measurement data from machines via Modbus, converts it into MQTT with Sparkplug standard, performs limit value monitoring on site and only sends relevant events to a cloud platform - securely, efficiently and in real time. IoT gateways are the backbone of any modern IoT architecture. They ensure interoperability, data security and local intelligence - and thus enable a stable bridge between traditional industrial IoT and the modern IT world.
Edge Computing
Edge computing is a design approach for IoT environments where IT resources such as storage capacity and computing power are provided as close as possible to the data-generating devices and sensors. This concept provides an alternative to traditional cloud solutions with centralized servers.
Digitization of existing systems
The digitalization of existing systems in critical infrastructure is a challenging but essential step towards increasing security of supply, efficiency and resilience - without jeopardizing existing processes. ALPSCALE provides holistic support for operators of critical infrastructure - from the secure connection of existing systems to integration into modern IoT/IT systems and continuous operational support. The focus is always on security, availability and sustainability.