Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions like CyberArk and BeyondTrust secure OT remote access by adding a credential vault and jump server between the remote user and the OT system. The OT system still has open RDP or SSH ports (at least internally), the jump server itself becomes a high-value attack target, and credential vaults can be compromised. BlastAccess eliminates the jump server entirely: it uses a point-to-point, cryptographically bound connection with no open inbound ports on the target and no credentials to vault or steal. BlastAccess also deploys in minutes versus weeks for enterprise PAM.

Firewalls protect the network perimeter by filtering traffic, but once an attacker bypasses the firewall (through phishing, a compromised vendor VPN, or a supply chain attack), they can move laterally across the flat OT network. BlastShield Gateway takes a fundamentally different approach: it makes OT assets invisible to unauthorized parties (network cloaking) and enforces microsegmentation that prevents lateral movement even after a perimeter breach. The asset itself is the perimeter, not the firewall in front of it.

BlastAccess works with any Windows or Linux system, including SCADA servers, HMI workstations, engineering workstations (EWS), historian servers, and DCS operator stations. The BlastAccess Server agent installs on the target system and provides remote desktop access to that system's full graphical interface, including any OT software (SCADA clients, HMI applications, DCS tools) running on that system.

Yes, this is one of BlastShield's primary design goals. No agent installation is required on protected OT assets. The BlastShield Gateway provides network-level Zero Trust protection for any device behind it, including Windows XP HMIs, legacy PLCs, unpatched SCADA servers, and proprietary industrial controllers that cannot run third-party software. The protected assets gain full cloaking and access control without modification.

BlastAccess session recording and access logging supports compliance with: NERC CIP-007 (System Security Management — access monitoring and logging), NERC CIP-005 (Electronic Security Perimeters — remote access controls), IEC 62443-3-3 (remote session accountability), SOC 2 Type II (access event audit trail), NIST SP 800-82 (Guide to OT Security: remote access controls), and NIS2 (EU critical infrastructure access management requirements).