Siemens Offers Security Upgrades in Automation

Siemens Industry Automation has announced new versions of its Simatic NET CP 343-1 Advanced and Simatic NET CP 443-1 components with integrated security functions to enable companies to enhance the security of their networks in process automation and production automation. These advanced communications processors contain a firewall, as well as a VPN function (Virtual Private Network), which provides secure access to the Simatic S7-300 and S7-400 controller series.

The Industrial PCs can also be equipped with a firewall and VPN client by means of the Simatic NET CP 1628 module. The security module Scalance S623 is also new; with an additional DMZ port for service access, as is the UMTS router Scalance M875 for secure access to plant units via a 3G cellular network using UMTS.

Through its Security Integrated product portfolio, Siemens is offering network components that provide extended security features. The Simatic NET CP 343-1 Advanced and Simatic NET CP 443-1 Advanced communications processors with extended functional scope enable connection to the S7-300 or S7-400 controllers via VPN. It is also possible to define more detailed security settings and access rights via the integrated firewall. Through this function, the communications processors secure access across the entire plant network. The integrated switch also supports secure connection of the lower-level controllers and HMI and I/O devices.

The Security Integrated range includes the new Simatic NET CP 1628 module for industrial PCs. It supports secure connection of industrial PCs to the network via a VPN and firewall.  Computers equipped with the module can be connected to protected cells. It is also possible to access an industrial PC with an integral CP 1628 using the Softnet Security Client application over the Internet or a company-internal network via remote access.

Two more new products in the security portfolio of the Industry Automation Division are the security module Scalance S623 and the UMTS router Scalance M875. With the Scalance S623, the thoroughly revised range of Scalance S modules is supplemented by a variant with a DMZ port (Demilitarized Zone). This port opens up a separate and, if required, restricted access point to the network for service access. A DSL modem can be connected to the DMZ port for service work via remote access. In the case of Scalance M875, this is a UMTS router with integrated security functions. The router is suitable for secure communication to and from distributed automation cells via VPN, such as the supply stations of a water utility company or mobile plants that have to be centrally monitored or controlled remotely from a control center.

Due to the increased use of Ethernet connections penetrating the field level, security issues are gaining in importance in industry. For comprehensive plant protection, a variety of different measures must be implemented. These range from the company organization and guidelines regarding protective measures for PC and control systems through to protection of automation cells by segmenting the network. Siemens follows the cell protection concept and offers - with the modules of the Scalance M, the Scalance S and the security communication processors - numerous components for building up protected cells. With the cell protection concept, a plant network is subdivided into protected automation cells within which all devices are able to communicate with each other securely. The individual cells are connected to the overall network protected by a VPN and firewall. Cell protection reduces the susceptibility to failure of the entire production plant and increases its availability.