Windows 2000 Support Ends in July: Time to Protect Your Industrial Control System


June 2010 MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - With support for Windows 2000 ending in July, Phoenix Contact is reminding industrial control engineers to review the security of their operating systems. Innominate, a Phoenix Contact subsidiary, recently wrote a white paper detailing how a "defense-in-depth" security solution can protect a control system, even if the operating system no longer provides security updates.

On July 13, Microsoft will end its Extended Support and Security Updates support for Windows 2000. Although Microsoft will no longer provide monthly security patches, new threats to Windows 2000-viruses, Trojans and other malware-will continue to emerge. These vulnerabilities allow malicious users to view and copy sensitive data, crash a PC or even gain control of it remotely.

Upgrading to a new system is one option, but it is time-consuming and expensive. Another option is installing a defense-in-depth security solution, like the FL mGuard. The mGuard is an industrial-rated security device with stateful firewall, router and VPN functionalities in a single package. A technician can install it without disrupting production, and it is easy to configure and launch from a central server console.

The white paper, "Time for action in industrial automation: Support for Windows 2000 set to expire," details key features to look for in a security solution. It is available for free download at: www.phoenixcontact.com/resource-center/47207_59019.htm. For more information on the FL mGuard, visit http://www.phoenixcontact.com/mGuard.

About Phoenix Contact

Phoenix Contact is a leading developer of industrial electrical and electronic technology. The company's diverse product range includes components and system solutions for industrial and device connection, automation, electronic interface and surge protection. Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG, Blomberg, Germany, operates 47 international subsidiaries, including Phoenix Contact USA in Middletown, Pa. Phoenix Contact's formal Integrated Management System is registered to ISO quality, environmental and safety standards (ISO 9001:2008,14001:2004 and 18001:2007).

For more information about Phoenix Contact or its products, visit www.phoenixcontact.com/usa_home.htm, or call technical service at 800-322-3225, e-mail info@phoenixcon.com

All Topics