GABRL and NSA’s New OT Security Standards: A Perfect Match
On April 23, 2025, the National Security Agency (NSA) published its new guidance, “Operational Technology Assurance Partnership: Smart Controller Security within National Security Systems.” This report lays out clear recommendations to harden smart controllers, which are at the heart of critical infrastructure such as power grids, water treatment plants, and manufacturing lines.
With GABRL, we designed a solution to meet — and exceed — these exacting requirements. Here’s how:
1. Precision Isolation for Industrial Control Systems
The NSA calls for strict network segmentation to limit an attacker’s reach. GABRL answers this with Layer 3 micro-segmentation over IPsec-encrypted tunnels. Each controller or device sits in its own secure segment, effectively ring-fencing critical assets. The result? A dramatically reduced attack surface and near-zero impact on system performance.
2. Seamless, Low-Latency Operation
Traditional VPNs and security gateways can introduce lag, creating risks for time-sensitive OT processes. GABRL operates natively across Wi-Fi, LTE, and SATCOM, eliminating bulky concentrators. Your control networks stay responsive, even over constrained or contested links.
3. Built-In NSA-Recommended Controls
The NSA guidance highlights several must-have controls for smart controllers. GABRL delivers each one out of the box:
Ephemeral PKI Encryption. Dynamic keys limit exposure if credentials are compromised.
Certificate-Based Mutual Authentication. Each device confirms its partner’s identity before any data flows.
Comprehensive Policy Enforcement. Fine-grained rules govern exactly which protocols and ports are allowed.
These protections align directly with the NSA’s technical requirements for OT environments.
4. True Zero Trust for OT
Zero Trust isn’t just a buzzword — it’s the future of secure operations. GABRL supports multiple deployment models, including:
User-Managed Endpoints: Perfect for remote sites or mobile teams.
Gateway Services with Load Balancing: Scale to hundreds of controllers with a single pane of glass.
Peer-to-Peer Enclaves: Create temporary, secure data-sharing islands for coalition operations or third-party audits.
All traffic is verified and encrypted, so trust is never assumed.
Why It Matters Now
IT and OT networks are converging faster than ever. A breach in one domain can spill over into the other. The NSA’s new report is a call to action: smart controller security must be top of mind. GABRL was built from day one to secure both domains together, providing a unified, end-to-end defense.
What’s Next?
Read the full NSA report here:
Learn more about GABRL
If you’re ready to take your OT security to the next level, contact our team today for a personalized demo. Let’s build a safer, more resilient future — together.
