Protecting Edge Technology and Datapaths
AI-Supported Security Platform for Brownfield and Greenfield
Kontron, a provider of IoT and embedded computing technology, has introduced KontronAIShield, a highly integrated, AI-supported security platform that covers both existing brownfield and new greenfield environments.
KontronAIShield combines classic approaches such as firewall appliances and virus scanners with AI support and intrusion detection mechanisms. The security platform addresses scenarios in edge, embedded and industrial environments.
The KontronAIShield Appliance (box PC with software) protects existing legacy systems as an upstream system by shielding the systems with a classic firewall solution. This function is enhanced by AI so that encrypted traffic can also be analysed. If something malicious is detected, the connection is immediately blocked and the backend is informed – all without the installation and management of certificates. This makes the solution suitable for systems equipped with older operating systems that cannot be replaced in the short term but still need to remain connected.
The KontronAIShield app acts as an AI-driven virus scanner and is available for all KontronOS systems. Unlike a virus scanner, which requires constant updates, the app is designed to monitor the behaviour of the system and detect any anomalies. Malicious behaviour is immediately stopped and the backend is notified here, too.
‘Traditional virus scanners and firewalls are no longer adequate protection in this age of automated, AI-powered cyber attacks,’ explains Stefan Eberhardt, Business Development Manager at Kontron. ‘With KontronAIShield, we are establishing the next generation of security software on existing systems to equip them for current and future attacks.’
The main features of KontronAIShield are as follows:
- Zero-touch provisioning mode – provides security from the moment the device is plugged in.
- AI-based firewall / intrusion detection system / threat prevention application – anomaly detection that identifies attacks at an early stage.
- Real-time monitoring, even of encrypted traffic.
- Suitable for greenfield and brownfield applications.
Thanks to its modular architecture, KontronAIShield can be integrated into all systems supported by KontronOS. KontronAIShield is also available for third-party systems on a project basis.
The KontronAIShield appliance is available on selected Kontron hardware platforms for which it is specially optimised. This eliminates the need for an additional AI accelerator and results in an attractively priced solution that is maintained and updated throughout its entire lifecycle in conjunction with KontronOS.
