Definition and Purpose

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) are integrated hardware and software systems used to monitor, control, and automate industrial operations across sectors such as energy, manufacturing, transportation, and critical infrastructure. The primary purpose of ICS is to ensure operational reliability, safety, and efficiency by minimizing human error, optimizing resource use, and maintaining continuous, precise control over physical processes. As these environments become more digitally connected, securing access to control systems and workstations becomes critical to preventing cyber threats and ensuring regulatory compliance.

How can GateKeeper Proximity serve ICS?

GateKeeper Proximity offers a seamless and secure authentication solution tailored for ICS environments. By leveraging wireless, proximity-based multi-factor authentication (MFA), GateKeeper eliminates the need for manual logins, allowing authorized personnel to securely access control workstations simply by approaching them with a secure token. When users walk away, the system automatically locks the workstation, preventing unauthorized access and significantly reducing the risk of human error or negligence. This continuous authentication model ensures that access is actively managed without disrupting operational workflows. In industries where system uptime, safety, and compliance (such as DFARS, NIST, and CMMC) are paramount, GateKeeper enhances cybersecurity posture while improving productivity by reducing time spent on password entry and login procedures across shared or critical terminals.