Cyber-security guidelines for automation networks

ODVA's guidelines document, Securing Ethernet/IP Networks, outlines plans and strategies for cyber-security in automation networks. See four ways to mitigate risk.

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Manufacturers are increasing connectivity between plant floor and enterprise systems to boost productivity and reduce time to market, but interconnectivity can also bring undesirable security risks. ODVA announced the availability of a new guidelines document, Securing EtherNet/IP Networks, which discusses cyber-security recommendations for automation networks, including how to determine and deploy security strategies for various network types. (See four ways to mitigate risk, below.)

“In the past, manufacturers were able to secure industrial control systems simply by controlling physical access to their automation components,” said Katherine Voss, executive director, ODVA. “Today’s demand for increased productivity requires interconnectivity through industrial Ethernet – most often EtherNet/IP, as it provides unprecedented visibility into real-time machine and supervisory systems. As many businesses are concerned about the security risks that come from a free flow of information, ODVA outlines how to manage risks with the implementation of processes and technology.”

The document's aim is to provide users with a starting point for thinking about what cyber-security means for industrial networks, what a security strategy looks like and direct readers to additional resources and information.

In the guidelines, ODVA outlines key security concerns in industrial automation, and provide guidance and resources. Four ways to change processes to mitigate risk include:

• Risk analysis
• Collaboration between IT and industrial departments
• Best practices for different types of industrial networks
• Emerging industrial security technologies

ODVA

www.odva.org 

- Edited by Chris Vavra, Control Engineering, www.controleng.com 

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Machine Safety Blog

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Industrial network channel

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