Convergence of IT and automation heightens threat on plant floors

Wide-ranging security measures being taken for IT and automation used on plant floors are driven by worries about possible terrorism, session attendees at Rockwell Automation's RSTechED were recently told. To date, however, the biggest problem remains accidents, followed by the malicious acts of disgruntled employees. But the convergence of IT and automation technologies means tools that could disrupt a company's operations—and even endanger lives—are more readily available, and less insider information is needed to do so than ever before.

Specific recommendations made during the session include 1) clearly separate the corporate LAN from the automation network; 2) restrict plant services by default—i.e., don't give someone Internet access if they don't need it; 3) restrict logical and physical access to the automation system; and 4) use IT security technology in a layered fashion.