Invensys Announces Important New Network Security Services For Users of Foxboro Automation Systems

New services are designed to help identify site vulnerabilities and protect against cyber attacks and other network intrusions at industrial sites.

(PRWEB) October 13, 2004 -- Invensys Process Systems has introduced important new services designed to further enhance the security of the companys Foxboro-brand I/A Series automation systems. In development for more than two years, the new Site Security Review Service and the System Security Hardening Service are both part of Invensys expanding suite of LifeTime Performance Improvement Services, which now also includes both Loop Management and Alarm Management services. These services work together to enable customers to maximise the performance of their installed automation assets.

The industrial automation industry has been moving away from proprietary technology to more open and interoperable control systems. As underscored by a recent US government report , this trend clearly increases the potential vulnerability of these systems to cyber attacks via the Internet and from other external and internal network intrusions," said Ernest Rakaczky, director of process control network security at Invensys Process Systems.

Even though our I/A Series systems are designed with many built-in security mechanisms, we strongly encourage users not to become complacent. Since process control systems are typically used to manage and control industrial processes in refineries, chemical plants, power plants, water treatment plants, and other critical sites, it is becoming increasingly important to carefully evaluate potential vulnerabilities and then take appropriate steps to further harden these systems against potential threats," said Rakaczky.

According to a new Invensys white paper, Intrusion Prevention in a Control Systems Environment, the first step in building a solid defence against process control network intrusions is to develop a site wide security policy statement and then define the requirements needed to implement a secure process environment. Only after specific security goals are clear, can an effective plan be developed," Rakaczky said.

Invensys new Site Security Review Service and System Security Hardening Service are designed to help users develop an effective security plan, identify specific site vulnerabilities, and protect against potentially catastrophic intrusions.

About Invensys
Invensys is an automation, controls and process solutions Group working to create value for customers and investors. Our products, services, expertise and ongoing support enable intelligent systems to monitor and control processes in many different environments. The businesses within Invensys help customers in a variety of industries - including hydrocarbons, chemicals, oil and gas, power and utilities, rail, telecommunications, paper, food and beverage, dairy, pharmaceuticals and personal care - to perform with greater efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness.

Process Systems (IPS) provides products, services and solutions for the automation and optimisation of plant operation in the process industries. APV specialises in process equipment engineered into systems and asset services for food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical and chemical clients. Eurotherm is a leading supplier of control and measurement instrumentation solutions and services to industrial and process customers. Rail Systems is a multinational leader in the design, manufacture, supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of safety-related rail signalling and control systems. Climate Controls is a major provider of the components, systems and services used across the world to make commercial and residential environments safer, more comfortable and more efficient. Appliance Controls has the broadest system and component offering for the appliance industry worldwide.

The Invensys Group is headquartered in the UK and listed on the London Stock Exchange. With 42,000 employees operating in 60 countries, Invensys helps customers to improve their performance and profitability, building value for end users and shareholders alike.

I/A Series, Foxboro, Foxboro I/A Series, APV, Avantis, IMServ, SimSci-Esscor, Triconex, and Wonderware are trademarks of Invensys plc, its subsidiaries, or affiliates. All other trademarks are trademarks of their respective owners.

Avaliable at: http://www.ballard.co.uk/press_releases/company_releases.aspx?lang=English

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