In today's globalized markets, the role of digital networking and communication in industrial automation and control systems is rapidly expanding. These cloud applications facilitate various functions, including remote plant monitoring, data exchange between different locations, and the analysis of extensive data.
These applications also allow for machine and plant control, fault diagnosis, and more. This is accompanied by robust security requirements for users.
Aerzen Digital Systems, the digitalization specialist within the AERZEN Group, elaborates in the following article on the implementation of state-of-the-art cybersecurity measures for hardware and software, using the AERprogress product as an example.
Image Credit: Deemerwha studio/Shutterstock.com
Around two decades ago, the International Society for Automation (ISA) initiated the specific definition of standards for secure industrial automation and control systems (IACS) implementation. Presently, global legislation mandates adherence to minimum cybersecurity standards for critical infrastructure.
Operators of such infrastructure are also obligated to report security-related incidents. Manufacturers of automation and network components, integrators, as well as plant operators must comply with the latest cybersecurity standards.
This legal concept is significant because technological advancement often outpaces legislation. State-of-the-art cybersecurity is determined based on existing national or international standards and norms, such as ISO/IEC 27001, IEC 62443, or proven practical specifications.
Manufacturers, integrators, and cloud providers are also subject to compliance and data protection regulations specific to their respective countries.
The AERprogress Infrastructure
AERprogress is a digital solution designed for the management of a global machine park. This cloud application supplements AERZEN's high-performance blowers and compressors, allowing users to monitor their machine parks across various locations and international borders.
Additional features provide insights into energy efficiency, aiding in the prevention of efficiency loss while enhancing machine availability and reliability. Users can also store energy data according to DIN EN 50001, which is crucial for future models and calculations.
Typically, cloud applications encompass multiple components and working layers. Various hardware and software components are subject to corresponding security measures.
These include safety functions of machine controls, and gateways, as well as measures taken in the development process, such as risk analysis, programming guidelines, code analysis, and audits.
Monitoring and process compliance are also of paramount importance. To meet these safety requirements, the overall AERprogress system is categorized into three levels: field level, platform level, and user level.
The example of AERprogress indicates that by implementing complex, multi-layered security measures according to the defence-in-depth principle, i.e. the coordinated use of several security measures in the sense of a 'layered defence', comprehensive protection against cyber-attacks is provided.
Ricardo Wehrbein, Managing Director, Aerzen Digital Systems GmbH
This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Aerzener Maschinenfabrik GmbH.
For more information on this source, please visit Aerzener Maschinenfabrik GmbH.