In her December 2017 Editor’s Viewpoint, Theresa Houck explains how industrial network and physical security is intertwined with worker and asset safety.
There are just some things that go together. You can’t have one without the other. Like peas in a pod. Family and love. Springtime and flowers. Friends and loyalty. “Game of Thrones” and obsession. “Star Wars” and obsession. Candy Crush and obsession. Math and confusion — wait, that’s probably just me.
This issue of The Journal explains two more things that go together: industrial security and safety. They’re intertwined, and we explain how and why. Automation network and physical security have everything to do with affecting the safety of people and assets. By disrupting safety systems, security breaches can force a standard control system to operate beyond its safety parameters, damage equipment, and even put workers employees and the general public in unsafe situations.
Therefore, you must address how cybersecurity threats affect your safety strategy. Real-time production intelligence is the key.
If you think cyberthreats aren’t an issue for your company, think again. Our cover story provides examples of cyberattacks in the United States as well as overseas that disrupted business and threatened employee and public safety. Hackers, or even employees who don’t realize what they’re doing, can affect wastewater facilities, oil and gas companies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, steel mills, medical devices makers, power suppliers, and many more.
As our connected world of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) continues to expand, so do cyber threats. So take advantage of the tips provided in this issue on how to strengthen your cybersecurity. Until next time …
Theresa Houck
Executive Editor
The Journal From Rockwell Automation and Our PartnerNetworkTM