Secure remote access for industrial IoT systems
Kontron and TeamViewer integrate hardware and software to enable agentless, zero-trust access to industrial control systems.
www.kontron.com
A combined solution from Kontron and TeamViewer introduces a preconfigured gateway enabling secure remote access to operational technology (OT) environments without installing software on target devices. The system is designed for industrial automation, manufacturing, and legacy infrastructure integration.
Context and Technical Relevance
Industrial environments increasingly require remote connectivity for maintenance, diagnostics, and system updates. However, legacy systems and heterogeneous infrastructures present challenges in terms of cybersecurity and integration. Installing additional software agents on existing machines is often not feasible due to compatibility constraints or operational risks.
To address this, Kontron provides the hardware and operating system layer, while TeamViewer delivers remote access functionality based on a zero-trust architecture. This collaboration enables secure connectivity without modifying existing industrial assets.
Technical Solution and Architecture
The solution is built on Kontron’s KBox A-251 and KBox A-151 IoT gateways, which act as edge devices connecting industrial equipment to remote users. These systems run KontronOS, a hardened Linux-based operating system designed for secure industrial deployment.
KontronOS supports role-based access control, secure update mechanisms, and container-based application isolation. These features ensure that access permissions are managed centrally and that updates can be deployed without disrupting system integrity.
TeamViewer’s agentless access technology operates through the gateway, eliminating the need for client software on target machines. This is particularly relevant for legacy systems such as Windows XP, where direct software installation may not be supported.
The architecture establishes a secure communication layer from the edge device to cloud-based services, enabling encrypted and authenticated access across distributed systems.
Deployment and Integration
The gateway is delivered as a plug-and-play solution with preconfigured hardware and software. It integrates into existing industrial networks via standard interfaces, including DisplayPort, USB-A 3.2, USB-C, and dual 2.5 Gbit LAN connections.
Because no changes are required on existing machines, deployment can be carried out without interrupting production processes. The system supports centralized management, allowing multiple installations to be monitored and updated consistently.
The solution also aligns with regulatory frameworks such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act by supporting secure updates, system hardening, and controlled access mechanisms.
Applications and Operational Impact
The system is intended for use in industrial automation, manufacturing plants, and distributed infrastructure environments. Key use cases include remote diagnostics, system maintenance, software updates, and collaborative troubleshooting.
By removing the need for on-site intervention and reducing integration complexity, the solution contributes to improved operational continuity. The agentless approach minimizes compatibility risks while maintaining a consistent security model across different system generations.
The combined hardware-software architecture enables scalable deployment across multiple sites, supporting both small installations and large industrial rollouts.
Edited by an industrial journalist, Lekshman Ramdas, with AI assistance.
www.kontron.com
