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ISA's Cyber Security Standards Initiative Gathers Strength

Research Triangle Park, N.C. (10 March 2005) - ISA's SP99 committee, Manufacturing and Control Systems Security, is strengthening its efforts on several fronts with the help of experts from leading companies across industry.

Following the publication in 2004 of two well-received technical reports providing guidelines on cyber security in manufacturing operations, ISA-SP99 is hard at work in developing the first of a series of industry standards on this vital topic. Key roles and support are being provided by committee members from organizations including ABB, Aspen Technology, Bayer, British Columbia Institute of Technology, Cargill, Cisco Systems, CIDX, Dow Chemical, DuPont, Eastman Chemical, Emerson Process Management, Equistar Chemical, Fluor, Honeywell, Interface Technologies, Invensys,  Kraft Foods, KEMA,  Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Yokogawa, and many others in the US and abroad. Also playing important roles are the US National Institute of Standards and Technology, the US Department of Homeland Security, Idaho National Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratory.

Reflecting on his company's support of ISA and its cyber security standards initiative, Don Richardson, Director, Manufacturing Industry Unit at Microsoft Corporation, comments:

"Users can help mitigate their security risks by learning more about security through training programs, active participation in standards activity, implementing a security plan and risk management process, and keeping software updated. ISA is a leader in manufacturing and control systems standards development and training, and the recent merger of OMAC [The Open Modular Architecture Controls Users' Group] with ISA reinforces the leadership role of ISA. Microsoft is proud to play a role in ISA's efforts and in the OMAC MS Manufacturing Users Group."

For further information about ISA-SP99, including the complete scope and purpose, visit www.isa.org/community/SP99. For information on other ISA standards committees, visit www.isa.org/standardscommittees.

About ISA

Founded in 1945, ISA (www.isa.org) is a leading, global, nonprofit organization that is setting the standard for automation by helping over 30,000 worldwide members and other professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities. Based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, ISA develops standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; and hosts the largest conference and exhibition for automation professionals in the Western Hemisphere. ISA is the founding sponsor of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).

About WBF

WBF provides an open forum for the exchange of information related to the management, operation, and automation of manufacturing processes.  Created in 1994, members of the non-profit, professional organization include end-users, vendors, consultants and academics.  WBF provides organization, management, and structure to facilitate networking among its members and sharing of knowledge and information related to manufacturing processes. WBF documents best practices and guidelines for implementation of standards that apply to batch control and the exchange of batch data, as well as conducting technical conferences and technical training programs. WBF is a founding charter member of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).  More information about WBF is available at www.wbf.org.

About OMAC

OMAC–The Open Modular Architecture Controls Users’ Group (www.omac.org) is an affiliate organization of ISA- The Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society- and works to collectively derive common solutions for both technical and non-technical issues in the development, implementation, and commercialization of open, modular architecture control (OMAC) technologies, and to facilitate the accelerated development and convergence of industry and government developed OMAC technology guidelines to one set that satisfies common use requirements. OMAC has about 500 member representatives from end-user companies, OEM's, and technology providers and integrator companies. OMAC currently operates three Work Groups: Packaging Machinery, Manufacturing Infrastructure, and Machine Tool. OMAC is a founding charter member of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).