Honeywell process controller get new security certification

08/14/2007

PHOENIX, Aug. 14, Honeywell today announced that its Experion Process Knowledge System (PKS) C300 Process Controller has achieved the new Mu Security Industrial Control Certification (MUSIC). The MUSIC certification is designed specifically for IP-based controllers and is closely aligned with the emerging ISA-SP99 security standards. It enables organizations that rely on critical infrastructure or process control to ensure their network equipment and applications meet industry-defined benchmarks for safety, robustness, resiliency and conformance.

 

 

Mu Security utilized its Mu-400 security analyzer to test the C300 controllers with about 60,000 communication variations in an attempt to crash the system. “When IP-based process controllers are compromised, it can lead to safety issues, regulatory requirement violations and the loss of confidential information,” said Ajit Sancheti, Mu Security co-founder and CEO. “These systems require strong protection from outside threats to function properly and maintain productivity. None of the variations we used were able to impact the C300 controllers, which validates the effectiveness of Experion’s cyber security measures and illustrates Honeywell’s commitment to security and quality.”

 

 

Experion serves all major industrial processing segments, including oil and gas, refining, chemicals, power generation and pulp and paper. The system integrates with safety measures dispersed throughout a manufacturing facility to reduce risk to employees and plant assets, increase process availability and improve regulatory compliance.

 

 

Since its launch in 2003, Experion has helped thousands of customers worldwide improve productivity and profitability. The C300 controller was introduced in 2005 and underwent successful cyber security testing at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) the same year.

 

 

“Without an effective cyber security solution, even the latest and greatest process control technology on the market can be rendered obsolete and become a danger to the plant and plant employees,” said Kevin Staggs, engineering fellow and global security architect, Honeywell Process Solutions. “Increasing product security and plant safety are key Honeywell initiatives. Mu Security’s new MUSIC certification consistently benchmarks safety and security to ensure our customers’ product environments are optimized.”