Vacon and F-Secure to publish a white paper on information security in industrial automation
16 November 2011
Vacon and global computer security provider F-Secure teamed up on computer security research in industrial automation applications a year ago. Now the companies are ready to publish their findings in the form of a white paper introducing the nature of malware and security threats in industrial automation systems. The level of standardisation in the information security field is also discussed, comparing the status of ICT systems security standardisation to that of industrial automation.
The white paper also presents security aspects of traditional fieldbuses and industrial Ethernet-based networks. The properties of industrial automation devices are described with a focus on security and tampering possibilities.
The white paper also proposes different methods to increase security both in network and in device level. These methods vary from proper network management instructions to hardware differentiation on the device level. The key to improved security is threat modelling and effective security measures which cannot be circumvented with reasonable efforts.
Vacon has taken a leading role in the AC drive market and has developed its products with the aim of preventing tampering and illegal use. The technological solutions used include new features in software and hardware.
"We have managed to take great steps to make our products more secure against malware and tampering. It has taken us sizeable R&D investments and also process development, but I see them as worthwhile. I think we have been able to take the leading role in AC drive market when it comes to protecting our products and furthermore our customers processes against attacks," says Heikki Hiltunen, Executive Vice President at Vacon.
Vacon's and F-Secure's white paper on industrial information security will be published in the week commencing December 5 2011.
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