What network topology should you recommend for a new plant floor network? What protocol should be used to prevent communication loops between multiple switches? What devices are being added to the network and are they cybersecure? What’s the best way to design a wireless LAN?

The start of a new year is often the time we make decisions to do things differently than in the past. Today I would like to suggest that one of the 2016 decisions you make is to toss out invalid ICS security assumptions and hone in on meaningful improvement for your cyber security defenses.

Industrial wireless applications are being used more and more by leading manufacturers and operators to improve availability and reduce costs. That sounds great, but before considering it for your facility, you might be wondering how difficult it is to make sure industrial wireless networks are secure.

The top priority of control professionals is making sure that automation networks are operating reliably and safely. Security in this context involves using Defense in Depth techniques to protect critical control assets and safety systems -- as well as the entire manufacturing, process control or transportation environment.

First lets cover, what does VFD stand for?  VFD stands for Variable Frequency Drives, and they are essential to the industrial world. Since they help adjust the speed and voltage supplied to the motor, manufacturing applications can adapt in real-time to changing needs.