New ISA book introduces an inexpensive, easy-to-understand way to protect against industrial cyberattack

With their advanced, microprocessor-based technologies, today's industrial automation and control systems (IACS) deliver much-improved performance and features compared to their analog counterparts.

Unfortunately, these newer, networked systems-with their ability to be configured remotely-are more vulnerable to cyberattack.

Security PHA Review for Consequence-Based Cybersecurity, a new book published by the International Society of Automation (ISA), introduces an easy-to-follow, cost-effective methodology for safeguarding critical infrastructure and process industry facilities from cyberwarfare and other forms of cyber-risks.

The book illustrates how a Security Process Hazards Analysis (PHA) Review identifies hackable scenarios, ranks them appropriately, and pinpoints non-hackable safeguards-such as relief valves and current overload relays-that are not vulnerable to cybersecurity threats.

Written by Edward Marszal, PE, and James McGlone-two globally recognized experts in process safety, industrial cybersecurity, and the ISA/IEC 62443 series of IACS security standards-the book is designed to deliver clarity, simplicity, and confidence to those responsible for industrial cybersecurity.

"We were prompted to write this book because the industry and the cybersecurity practitioners are still unsure of what to do and why," emphasizes McGlone. "In addition, the current approach in industrial cybersecurity focuses on network devices such as computers, Level 3 switches, and firewalls instead of on the process and machines that could be damaged or cause damage if control is lost.

"By analyzing the cause of and safeguards for cybersecurity weaknesses," McGlone explains, "it's possible to determine consequences that are potentially unaffected by the safeguards and those that could be caused by malicious intrusion, such as hacking. Any consequence that is not protected by existing safeguards or that can be caused by a cybersecurity attack is assigned an ISA/IEC 62443-based Security Level Target to be implemented or it is assigned an alternative safeguard or redesign to eliminate all or some of the cybersecurity risk."

McClone points out that the book is targeted to a wide range of automation and process industry professionals, including:

Instrumentation and control system engineers and technicians
Network engineers
Process safety, health and safety, cybersecurity, and maintenance personnel
Executives focused on risk reduction

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To purchase a copy of Security PHA Review for Consequence-Based Cybersecurity, click here.

For more details, read the informative author interview
For greater perspective on the value and significance of the new book as well a more detailed overview of its content, read the Q&A feature with one of the book's authors.

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Put to the Ultimate Test – Part 1: Torsion Tests by HELUKABEL

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Cables and wires in industrial robots and other moving machine parts are often required to withstand extreme stresses caused by torsion. Constant repetitive movements put materials under considerable strain. At the same time, operators expect components to function perfectly and reliably throughout their entire service life to avoid disruptions, outages and safety hazards.

For this reason, at HELUKABEL, we simulate intensive and continuous torsion stresses under realistic conditions with our high-tech testing equipment in Windsbach. We have several types of apparatus for doing this because some of our customers, for example those in the automotive industry, have very precise specifications for how a torsion test is carried out. The tests show that our cables and wires withstand speeds up to 1,000°/s, accelerations up to 2,000°/s² and torsion angles up to 720°. Hence, we make sure that each product always meets our customers’ high standards, and that they receive the impeccable quality they rightly expect from us as a leading supplier of cables, wires and accessories for more than 40 years.

What Is Torsion?

To learn the answer, click here

30 Minute Live Webinar 2:30 PM ET January 19th, 2023

With PC-based automation, you can implement applications and solutions that far exceed the functions of a classic controller. SIMATIC PC-based products offer you a flexible, innovative platform with long-term availability that give you a home field advantage when meeting the challenges of the digital factory for your machines and plants.

Festo Didactic at the Forefront of Developing Canada’s Future Work Force

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With Canadian manufacturing suffering from a growing labour shortage, the participation of industry in skills development is emerging as a vital component in hiring and retention.

The needs are stark: The Canadian Exporters and Manufacturers Association says almost 40% of its members have jobs they can’t fill. Five years from now, 60% expect to be short-staffed, especially when it comes to skilled trades. Statistics Canada forecasts the country’s labour force growth rate will remain below 0.2% for the rest of the decade, below replacement levels.

This growing shortage is affecting companies of all sizes. Already, some manufacturers acknowledge losing out on contracts because they can’t find the manpower to fulfill them.

In reality, the challenge is two-fold: to replenish and expand the workforce to help close the gap between the number of job seekers and vacancies through 2030 when the last baby boomers reach age 65, and ensure workers get opportunities throughout their careers to upgrade or add to their skillset as current technologies evolve and new ones emerge. Festo, through Festo Didactic, one of the world leading provider of equipment and solutions for technical education, intends to help Canada meet this challenge on both fronts. In essence, the approach Festo has always taken is that the learning never stops.

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