Securing Your Automation Ethernet Network

Overview:

This paper covers the importance of securing automation devices for access internally on an Intranet, or externally over the Internet. Choosing an Ethernet Fieldbus offers the competitive advantage of speed, flexibility and accessibility though steps should be taken to secure automation devices and any associated programming workstations and servers. This paper seeks to educate the Controls Engineer on security strategies, technologies and options available.

Once Automation devices and the computers used to program them share a topology model and communications protocol similar to PC’s, (TCP/IP), concerns arise over accessibility from unauthorized parties. Methods of security can range from technologies based within the infrastructure itself such as physical connection paths and virtual LAN’s to hardware/software based devices such as firewalls and security management servers. A comprehensive Security Plan exists for both internal and external protection. Preserving the integrity of the network by preventing unwanted traffic from unauthorized sources, securing the programming logic and preventing intrusion are essential elements of such a plan. With a secure network, engineers can then reap the benefits of access to devices for programming, service or information.