Automation suppliers have been moving away from proprietary technology to more open and interoperable technologies in their control systems. This trend clearly increases the potential vulnerability of these systems to electronic attacks and infections (cyber attacks) via the Internet, and from other external and internal network intrusions. Such attacks can include undirected automatic threats such as worms, viruses and malware, and deliberate internal and external attacks.
Process control and safety instrumented systems are typically used to manage and control industrial processes and critical sites. As such, process control systems’ security measures must address safety, unplanned system downtime, potential liabilities, loss of assets and brand reputation, and the potential for loss of life. Security breaches on a process control system can have disastrous implications for process plants. Security measures utilized on office data networks do not directly translate to control or safety system networks. For these reasons, it has become increasingly important to carefully evaluate potential security vulnerabilities, verify that the process control system and external network connections are secured, and take appropriate steps to further harden the control system against potential threats.
Emerson’s Security Assessment Service will provide an examination and assessment of the physical and electronic security of your Emerson process control system based upon product security installation guidelines, best practices, and site security policies and procedures. The security assessment will establish a baseline of the Emerson process control system perimeter and internal security conditions. This baseline will include a review of the installation and security procedures used to protect the process control system from internal and external threats.
With Emerson’s Security Assessment Services, you will receive an assessment of security gaps and latent threats to the Emerson process control system. Emerson will provide prioritized improvement recommendations that can help assure the availability and operational integrity of your process control system.
