State-of-the-art OT security solutions within reach.

A Security Lab in the Customer Solutions Center in Brühl (D) has been opened by HIMA. The provider of safety-related automation solutions will use the lab to develop and test comprehensive OT security solutions for the digitalization of functional safety in the future.

With the increasing digitalization of functional safety and the networking of safety equipment components, the dangers posed by cyberattacks are also on the rise.

"The ongoing threat to critical infrastructure from cyberattacks is pervasive. With the new Security Lab, HIMA is not only supporting our customers, but we are also making a relevant contribution to society" Managing Partner Steffen Philipp explains.

In the new Security Lab, HIMA is collaborating closely with IT security specialist genua. The technologies of the company, which is a subsidiary of the Bundesdruckerei Group, comply with numerous recommendations of the NAMUR user association. As part of their cooperation, HIMA and genua will use the new Security Lab to demonstrate data diode applications, which are prerequisites for ensuring highly secure and feasible implementation of the pioneering NAMUR Open Architecture (NOA).

Matthias Ochs, CEO genua &
Jörg de la Motte, CEO HIMA 

"It's truly a partnership of equals: both genua and HIMA are leaders in their fields, and as German technology companies, they share a long-term mindset," affirms Jörg de la Motte, CEO.

"We are delighted to further expand our partnership with HIMA by working together in the new Security Lab. As trusted partners, we take a holistic approach to the various aspects of security. This allows us to deliver exactly what the market needs at any given time: Security solutions that meet the highest standards, tailor-made for companies operating in the process and railway industries" explains Matthias Ochs, CEO of genua.

To develop and test security scenarios under real-life conditions, HIMA has brought the 'Security Environment for Functional Safety' to life in the new Security Lab. Its security architecture uses solutions from genua.

"The HIMA Security Lab allows visitors to experience our solutions first hand. The HIMA Security Environment for Functional Safety can be combined with various security zones. making it possible to simulate, optimize and test all scenarios. A lab full of opportunities for beginners and experts" explains Sergej Arent, Director Applications, responsible for the Customer Solutions Center in Brühl.

Ulrich Topp, Team Lead Integration and Security
& Sergej Arent, Director Applications HIMA

The integration of the HIMA Security Lab in the company's own Customer Solutions Center will facilitate future analysis of HIMA customers' automation networks (Cyber HAZOP). The results will help derive measures and develop templates for security solutions. To this end, the team of safety and security specialists builds complex networks zoned according to IEC 62443 and secures them with devices and methods from genua's security product line.

By using different process control systems, architectures can be implemented that are very close to the real-world automation environment of the customers. As part of penetration tests, concepts and solutions undergo thorough testing in the Security Lab. At the same time, the specialists use their expertise to ensure that the IT/OT solutions are implemented in accordance with the latest standards and comply with the strictest data protection laws.

"The Security Lab will allow our customers to build on existing and pre-tested HIMA solutions and customize them for specific projects. The practical experience gained here in training courses and workshops will help our customers find answers to increasingly complex security issues" concludes Arent.

Following on from the concept in Germany, HIMA is planning to set up a Security Lab at the Asia-Pacific Customer Solutions Center in Singapore.

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