The global financial crisis has succinctly demonstrated the fragile inter-dependence of world markets and production. Correspondingly, utility and production disasters can cause huge financial losses.
Innominate Security Technologies AG, a worldwide provider of Industrial Network Security, has published a 2009 White Paper on the weaknesses of industrial systems. "Hacking the Industrial Network," compiled by an independent consulting firm, is a compelling exposé of the numerous vulnerabilities of industrial control networks currently in use throughout the world.
A concise 1,200 word article about the report was published Friday, April 17, 2009 by Industry Week. (Read the Industry Week article)
Industrial control networks, generally referred to as SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) systems have been used for decades in power plants and distribution grids, oil and gas refineries, air traffic and railroad management, pipeline pumping stations, pharmaceutical plants, chemical plants, industrial processes, automotive assembly lines, automated food and beverage lines, water treatment plants and major dams.
These older legacy systems remain highly vulnerable to intelligent remote attacks, as well as non-intelligent viruses, as these systems are no longer isolated from the Internet. They are accessible via company websites, wireless access points, USB drives, modems, radio transmission, satellite, microwave, wiretap and remote maintenance access. The report identifies incidents involving major corporations, utilities, nuclear plants and the Pentagon. "The current situation is ripe for an epidemic," says Dirk Seewald, CEO of Innominate Security Technologies, "Protecting critical infrastructure is itself critical."
This latest analysis discusses the problems in plain language, as well as new, proven solutions available from a variety of vendors. The security of industrial networks can no longer be ignored. With threats to networks increasing in complexity and scope, decision makers need to take action before it is too late.
A comprehensive copy of the 16-page White Paper, including detailed footnotes and clickable Internet research links is available at www.innominate.com.
Innominate Security Technologies AG, a worldwide provider of Industrial Network Security, has published a 2009 White Paper on the weaknesses of industrial systems. "Hacking the Industrial Network," compiled by an independent consulting firm, is a compelling exposé of the numerous vulnerabilities of industrial control networks currently in use throughout the world.
A concise 1,200 word article about the report was published Friday, April 17, 2009 by Industry Week. (Read the Industry Week article)
Industrial control networks, generally referred to as SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) systems have been used for decades in power plants and distribution grids, oil and gas refineries, air traffic and railroad management, pipeline pumping stations, pharmaceutical plants, chemical plants, industrial processes, automotive assembly lines, automated food and beverage lines, water treatment plants and major dams.
These older legacy systems remain highly vulnerable to intelligent remote attacks, as well as non-intelligent viruses, as these systems are no longer isolated from the Internet. They are accessible via company websites, wireless access points, USB drives, modems, radio transmission, satellite, microwave, wiretap and remote maintenance access. The report identifies incidents involving major corporations, utilities, nuclear plants and the Pentagon. "The current situation is ripe for an epidemic," says Dirk Seewald, CEO of Innominate Security Technologies, "Protecting critical infrastructure is itself critical."
This latest analysis discusses the problems in plain language, as well as new, proven solutions available from a variety of vendors. The security of industrial networks can no longer be ignored. With threats to networks increasing in complexity and scope, decision makers need to take action before it is too late.
A comprehensive copy of the 16-page White Paper, including detailed footnotes and clickable Internet research links is available at www.innominate.com.
