Rockwell Automation and Cisco launch new Architectures to reduce security risks

The Industrial internet of things is increasing the need for highly flexible, secure connectivity between devices, machines, work flows, databases and people, enabling new models of policy-based plant-floor access.

The internet of things allows for machine data on the plant floor be analysed and applied to determine optimal operation and supply chain work flows for improved efficiencies and cost savings. A secured connected environment also enables organisations to mitigate risk with policy compliance, and protects intellectual property with secure sharing between global stakeholders.

To meet this increasing need, Rockwell Automation and Cisco have announced new additions to their Converged Plantwide EtherNet (CPwE) architectures to help operations technology (OT) and information technology (IT) professionals address constantly changing security practices.

The new CPwE architectures leverage open industry standards, such as IEC 62443, and provide recommendations for more securely sharing data across an industrial demilitarized zone, as well as enforcing policies that control access to the plantwide wired or wireless network.

Core to the new validated architectures is a focus on enabling OT and IT professionals to utilise security policies and procedures by forming multiple layers of defence. This approach helps manufacturers by establishing processes and policies that identify and contain evolving threats in industrial automation and control systems.

Rockwell Automation and Cisco have created resources to help manufacturers efficiently deploy security solutions.

Each new guide is accompanied by a white paper summarising the key design principles:

• The Industrial Demilitarized Zone Design and Implementation Guide and white paper provide guidance to users on securely sharing data from the plant floor through to the enterprise.
• The Identity Services Design and Implementation Guide and white paper introduce an approach to security policy enforcement that tightly controls access by anyone inside the plant, whether they’re trying to connect via wired or wireless access.

For more information or to arrange an appointment with one of our Automation specialists to discuss this topic further, please contact us at info@routeco.com