Bitcoin mining requires not only high-performance equipment and access to cheap electricity, but also a serious approach to cybersecurity. GRIID Infrastructure is one example of how you can build a robust infrastructure protection and management system without losing flexibility and scalability.
GRIID was founded in 2018 and already in 2019 started actively deploying mining sites in the US. Today, its facilities are located in New York and several cities in Tennessee. All miners are housed in shipping containers – this allows for rapid deployment of farms where there is access to cheap and clean energy. One such container can hold hundreds of devices, and several thousand miners can work at a site.
Working in such conditions requires a highly reliable network and a well-built security architecture. Equipment downtime is a direct loss, and any intrusion or malware can disrupt the cryptocurrency mining process and lead to loss of funds.
Previously, the company used equipment from different vendors, which complicated management and increased risks. As a result, it was decided to switch to a single security platform. After evaluating several options, Fortinet was chosen. This solution provided GRIID with centralized management, end-to-end protection and fault tolerance for the entire network.
Fault-tolerant FortiGate NGFWs with dual power supplies were installed at each site. A Secure SD-WAN system was deployed between the sites for uninterrupted communication and channel redundancy. Each container has its own FortiSwitch to which hundreds of miners are connected. All switches are connected to each other via redundant links.
Deep network segmentation was also implemented. The miners are divided into VLANs with limited communication between them. Even within a single VLAN, access control is used to isolate devices and prevent malware from spreading across the network in case of infection.
FortiAnalyzer is used to monitor the entire infrastructure. It collects logs, monitors traffic, captures intrusion attempts, and provides detailed reports. Fortinet solutions allow you to monitor network activity in real time and respond quickly to threats. If suspicious behavior is detected, the device can be automatically isolated until the circumstances are clarified.
GRIID also uses FortiClient to provide secure VPN access. It enables centralized workstation updates and rapid vulnerability remediation. The company is now implementing Zero Trust Network Access to limit access to cloud resources to only trusted devices.
By migrating to Fortinet’s infrastructure, GRIID has been able to reduce maintenance time, improve resiliency and ensure a high level of protection for all of its sites. In an environment where stability and security are key to success in mining, this approach gives the company a tangible advantage.
