Control systems under attack

"Be afraid, be very afraid!" is the headline on the issue of Read-out for the second quarter of 2013. It draws attention to the progress or lack of progress made sinec the automation world first became aware of direct attacks on control systems in mid 2010 wich the discovery of Stuxnet. Certainly everyone had been aware of malware and bogs which infiltrated IT systems and computers but this was the first time such a thing had been discovered in an industrial automated control system.

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Protection from Cyberattack
This topic was continued in our "InsideFront" article. This was a critique of a new book by Ronald Krutz, from the ISA stable of publications. "The use of cyber warfare as a prelude or substitute for conventional attacks has gone from conjecture to reality. The obvious targets of such assaults are a nation's defence establishment, critical infrastructure, and production capabilities. Contrary to popular opinion, there are effective, structured defenses against such aggression, if they are conscientiously and properly implemented and maintained." ....read more!

Training
Training is an important factor in all aspects of automation and security is no less important here too. Highlighted is one day seminar organised by the British ProfiBus group in Coventry. ...details.

It is vitally important to inform people of schoolgoing age of the importance of automation and the Irish branch of Mitsubishi recently visited a Dublin suburban secondary school giving a career presentation on Robotics including demonstrations which created great excitement. ... read more.

This issue also highlights events, including training, classes and seminars scheduled for the next few months. See our Events Page!

Company News
As usual there was some nows of company developments including additions to the calibration capability of Classic Technology, which now features latest state of the art Mass Calibration equipment in their specially built, airconditioned (climate controlled) dedicated laboratory within their facility to ensure maximum efficiency and accuracy... read more.

Also announced was the formation of a new company, Concept Solutions with a primary function to solve the costs and problems associated with consumable, inventory, purchasing and administration.

Technology
The latest test and measurement technologies and methodologies are investigated in a new reasearch document from National Instruments. The report examines trends affecting industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer electronics, semiconductor, telecommunications and transportation etc... read more.

Products
A new Digital valve controller with linkage-less, non-contact feedback technology from Emerson Process Management (Fisher) is featured among products discussed. An Austrailing mining company engineer states: "This single instrument application has saved us thousands of dollars," ... read more.

Improvements in affordable remote automatic data collection devices and web enabled software solutions have made it easier than ever to implement energy monitoring and targeting programme according to a story from Endress + Hauser.

This section also featured Blue-White's new ProSeries-M™ M-2 Peristaltic Metering Pump, new Jofra temperature calibrators from Instrument Technology, and the Preciosion Digital Pulse Input Rate/Totaliser marketed through P J Boner & Co.

Rest in Peace - Irish instrument pioneer passes! We were particulary sad to have to report the death of Maurice W Bryan, first editor of Read-out and an ISA Ireland Instrument Pioneer awardee. He was a multifaceted man with many interests including veteran motor bikes and a life-long interest in wildlife. We extend our condolences to his wife Bobbie and to his family. May he rest in peace.

The usual features on people, including appointments, awards, and are covered including ISA events in what is one of the most popular sections of Read-out.

You may download a pdf copy of this issue of Read-out 13.02 here (1mB)

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