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by Hallie Forcinio, Contributing Editor   | Abstract: | All manufacturers can learn from the chemical industry's comprehensive efforts to secure assets in the enterprise and on the plant floor. |
The chemical industry makes safety a top priority. To do otherwise could be catastrophic. So, in addition to protecting physical assets and supply chains, the industry devotes substantial resources to cyber-security. Even before the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, chemical industry automation and IT personnel were taking steps to address vulnerabilities associated with the growing number of systems set up to capture information in real time. New safeguards were needed in response to the rising deployment of automated process control systems, the transition from proprietary to open systems, and increased access to the Internet from the plant floor. Other concerns included higher levels of integration between enterprise IT and manufacturing systems; escalating threats from viruses, worms, and malware; and an upsurge in e-business. In the wake of 9/11, the chemical industry launched a series of efforts designed to help shore up manufacturers' defenses against cyber-attack. Although many guidelines and standards are still being developed, several cyber-security tools and techniques are in use by chemicals manufacturers. [Click to continue] |