If you’re responsible for interfacing your plant’s third-party devices, if you’re new to thinking about connectivity and cybersecurity, or if security hasn’t been on your mind lately, it’s probably time for a checkup.

Unlike a dental checkup, this one doesn’t have to be something to fear or dread. It is, however, just as important because a security checkup can ensure the good health and protection of your systems.

Doing security checkups is something we’re experts at. It’s not just what we do, it’s how we think when developing our MSA FieldServer solutions.

Of course, we can’t possibly share everything we know about security here, but we can share our finely tuned 7-point checklist so you can use it for your own DIY checkup.

Keep in mind that this checklist is to help ensure a stable and secure connection to your PLCs (programmable logic controllers). So, please see your dentist for that other kind of checkup.

Before You Start

In our world, we toss around acronyms like they’re hot-buttered popcorn. Just to be sure we’re all on the same page, let’s first clarify a few important definitions.

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. This network is specifically designed to limit public access by leveraging encryption technologies. Although a VPN can enable anytime, anywhere remote access to devices for authorized users, it also works to keep data hidden from unauthorized users.

PLC or Programmable Logic Controller is a type of computer that makes logic-based decisions for automated systems based on various inputs and outputs. In the United States, Allen Bradley is among the most common PLC used for automation.

Read the full blog article to continue learning and to view the checklist.

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