Emerson joins forces with Intel on cybersecurity

Emerson Process Management has joined forces with Intel Security to enhance and strengthen its integrated cybersecurity solution to better secure the DeltaV distributed control system (DCS). This increased layer of cyber protection is designed to help safeguard critical assets and data.

This strategic relationship reinforces Emerson’s commitment to protecting infrastructure throughout the plant life cycle and addresses the market demand for consistent, proven industrial cybersecurity.

The DeltaV DCS has long incorporated built-for-purpose control system firewalls and network switches that provide easy-to-configure security and protection features to help system networks remain available, reliable and more secure.

“Through our global network of experts, we follow ‘defence in depth’ layered security practices designed to both comply with emerging cybersecurity standards and combat new, emerging and complex threats,” said Sean Sims, vice president of Emerson’s Lifecycle Services. “Taking the next step to expand our offerings and deliver enhanced control system protection means our customers experience increased protection without sacrificing availability.”

The new solutions provide efficient compliance measures and instant intelligence for changing threat environments, along with the power of real-time visibility and centralised management through a single platform.

“Through our partnership, we are able to provide a portfolio of technologies designed to address the increasing cybersecurity threat landscape to industrial control systems,” said Tom Moore, vice president, Embedded Sales at Intel Security. “By combining our industry expertise, Emerson is able to serve their customers more efficiently, increasing their security posture and availability.”

Emerson is certifying supported releases of the DeltaV DCS and AMS Suite asset management to offer Intel Security’s antivirus, network monitoring and application whitelisting solutions. Additionally, Emerson will offer Intel Security’s Security Information & Event Management (SIEM) solution to perform monitoring and the McAfee ePolicy Orchestrator for streamlined and centralised security management. This enhanced portfolio of cybersecurity solutions hardens endpoints and improves security visibility, as well as availability and reliability of the control systems.

The collaboration was enabled by LOGIIC — an industry consortium of oil and gas companies which brought together leading control system manufacturers and security vendors to increase host security while not compromising system availability.