MTL Instruments has introduced the new MTL Tofino OPC Enforcer Loadable Software Module (LSM), developed by Byres Security. This extension to the existing MTL Tofino product line of industrial network security products locks down any automation system using the previously hard-to-secure OPC Classic protocol. Specifically designed for OPC communications, the OPC Enforcer provides tighter security than can be achieved with conventional firewall solutions. The result is improved network reliability, availability and security for process control and scada applications.
OPC Classic is widely used in control systems as an interoperability solution to interface control applications from multiple vendors. Unfortunately, as numerous studies show, the technologies underlying it were designed before network security issues were widely understood. As a result, OPC Classic has been almost impossible to secure until now.
The OPC Enforcer is an ideal solution for the industrial networks that use OPC Classic and its innovation provides two important benefits:
* It provides robust security and stability for systems using OPC Classic, thus subverting industrial network attacks and accidents. Unlike other firewalls, this product inspects, tracks and secures every connection made by an OPC application, opening only the exact TCP port required for a connection between an OPC client and server.
* It is implemented without any control system changes. The Tofino hardware is simply installed into the live network and configured using a drag and drop editor to select permitted clients and servers. Once installed, network security is assured with all OPC traffic managed behind the scenes.
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