Thales Introduces New Security Solution for SCADA Networks

The new Datacryptor SA provides a complete cost-effective security solution that can be easily deployed across existing SCADA networks vulnerable to cyber attack. By combining easy to use automatic key management with strong NIST-approved cryptography for authentication and encryption of SCADA connections and maintenance port access, the new Datacryptor SA provides unparalleled security performance without impacting operations. SCADA networks perform key functions that deliver essential services and commodities such as electricity, natural gas, and water to the public at large. Originally designed in times where security concerns were less prevalent, SCADA networks are vulnerable to cyber attacks that can result in public safety concerns and serious disruptions to the Nation’s economy. As a component of the critical infrastructure, the protection of SCADA networks has gained increased attention as part of the overall homeland security initiatives put in place after September 11, 2001. The Datacryptor SA meets key information security regulations that ensure the cyber security of the nation’s mission-critical networks. Designed to meet Presidential Decision Directive 63 (PDD-63) and emerging industry regulations and standards such as those being published by the American Gas Association (AGA) and the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), the product addresses not only the security of SCADA connections, but also equally vulnerable maintenance port access of Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) and Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) used throughout these networks. Providing more than just encryption, Thales offers a simple, yet complete solution addressing fundamentally important authentication, user-access control, and certificate management issues. In addition to robust authentication and encryption, Thales provides the utility customer with all the necessary tools and accessories to easily deploy a management system to control the commissioning of devices and issuance of access control tokens. Supporting point-to-point, multi-drop, and mixed-mode (secured and non-secured) network configurations using serial asynchronous communication, the Datacryptor SA solution can be deployed in a variety of operational scenarios compatible with industry-standard communications protocols such as MODBUS and DNP.