GE / IP FANUC Series 90/30 In Stock
Future Programmable Logic Controllers to Feature New Layers of Security
Cyber security has been a hot topic since the Stuxnet worm incident occurred in 2010, sparking debate among those involved in automation architecture and the future of its overall security landscape.
Not only did engineers begin to recognize flaws within their cyber security arrangements, they acknowledged the myriad of reasons hackers may want to take down an entire plant.
Vulnerable control systems could potentially lead to power plants being shut down, or road, rail and air traffic management compromised, not to mention drinking water becoming contaminated.
At the moment, larger control systems have many points with potential for unauthorized access, requiring layers of protection to be built into the system at the network, hardware and software levels.
As a result, future programmable logic controllers (PLCs) will include multiple embedded features such as hardware security keys and multi-layer password structures to prevent programs from being opened or edited on unapproved personal computers that have not been ‘bound’ to the security key.
PLC’s that do not have a registered security key will not be capable of executed certain programs thanks to embedded technologies and intellectual property being protected from compromise.
Unauthorized access, hacking or implantation of malware, will be much more difficult with future programmable logic controllers as a result of an IP filter that can be used to register the IP addresses of devices approved to access each PLC.
Of course, the new layers of security will need to be continuously worked in order to find the best solution for end users.
While maximum security is important, so is ease of operation, meaning control engineers will employ a holistic view of security that needs to be taken, considering all aspects of the operation.
Tags: Programmable Logic Controllers
This entry was posted on November 2nd, 2015 and is filed under Automation, GE Fanuc. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
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