Plug cyber-security gaps

If your job, as mine once did, has you walking daily past tanks filled with flammable, irritating, or toxic chemicals, who’s continued safe containment depends on a computerized automation system, it is comforting to know that no hacker could possibly get into your plant’s networks and cause mischief.

Wait a minute, when you say it that way it doesn’t sound too comforting after all.

Chemical Processing magazine 's contributing editor Seán Ottewell discusses the hot-button topic of security in an article published in the September issue titled, “Plug cyber-security gaps." (975KB PDF) He discusses the Department of Homeland Security’s new anti-terrorism regulations for “high risk chemical facilities” and introduces views from industry personnel like Emerson’s Bob Huba. Bob points out that we test the DeltaV controller to Level 1 certification to assist with resistance to cyber attacks. The insightful Ottewell also tapped another Emerson fellow, Jim Cahill, who suggests that, “you need strategies to mitigate the risk,” as part of your overall security plan. Check out the article for other thoughts that may help you to feel a bit more comfortable when you take your next stroll through the plant.