Software and Services provide access control.

Press Release Summary:



RSAssetSecurity delivers centralized authentication and access control by verifying identity of each user accessing critical systems and granting or denying user's request to perform specific actions. Automation Security Assessment Services help users identify security-related issues through detailed risk analysis and development of targeted policies, procedures, and technologies to help protect automation assets.



Original Press Release:



Rockwell Automation Announces New Security Software and Services to Help Manufacturers Improve User Access Control and Authentication



Rockwell Software RSAssetSecurity and Rockwell Automation Security Assessment Services help identify security risks and control equipment access in a centralized location

MILWAUKEE, Nov. 16, 2005 - The emergence of open networks and operating systems in industrial environments has manufacturers assessing the risks associated with unauthorized access to factory automation control systems. Rockwell Automation has introduced new software and assessment services that help companies authenticate and authorize user access to business operations and information on the plant floor.

Rockwell Software RSAssetSecurity, available now, delivers centralized authentication and access control by verifying the identity of each user accessing critical systems and granting or denying each user's request to perform specific actions. In addition, Rockwell Automation has introduced Automation Security Assessment Servicesthat help manufacturers identify security vulnerabilities in the plant. The new services help users identify security-related issues through a detailed risk analysis and development of targeted policies, procedures and technologies to help protect automation assets.

"Increasing the data security of today's open control systems requires a blend of the right technologies and the expertise to implement them in a way that reduces risk," said Mike Bush, Rockwell Software security business manager, Rockwell Automation. "With the availability of these new security offerings, Rockwell Automation can help manufacturers develop appropriate policies and procedures and implement the security technologies that are right for their situation."

RSAssetSecurity leverages the same FactoryTalk services used in other Rockwell Software applications, allowing for centralized management of system-wide security policies by referencing tags, data servers, security settings and other project information from multiple data sources. It makes this information available through a lookup service to all software applications in an automation system.

Other RSAssetSecurity features include:
Line-of-sight access control - Gives operators performing critical or dangerous operations a clear view of the equipment they are controlling;
Role-based access control - Grants access permission based on internal company roles;
Integration with Windows security - Creates Windows-linked accounts that are managed and authenticated by Windows but have separate permissions for accessing the automation system;
No dependence on Windows domains - RSAssetSecurity does not rely on a Windows domain controller to secure an automation system;
Single sign-on support - Allows users to log on to a system enabled with FactoryTalk once, and work with multiple Rockwell Software applications simultaneously; and
Disconnected operation - Allows security checks to continue without interruption when disconnected from the FactoryTalk Directory.

Rockwell Automation (NYSE: ROK), is a leading global provider of automation, power, control, and information solutions that help manufacturers achieve a competitive advantage in their businesses. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., U.S.A., the company employs about 20,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.

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