Automation Competency Model assessment.

A review team of automation experts recently convened at the International Society of Automation HQ in North Carolina (USA) to perform the third critical review of the Automation Competency Model (ACM) since its inception in 2008.

The Automation Federation (AF) was invited by the US Department of Labor (USDOL) in 2007 to be the first industry-related technical society to create a competency model using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) pyramid framework for advanced manufacturing. To this day, ACM remains one of the most downloaded models from the USDOL Careers' site

Team Leader Huffman

In this third review, as in the original and two other previous reviews, USDOL representatives were on hand to assist in facilitation, scribe duties, and guidance on intent regarding certain definitions. Team leader Steve Huffman, AF Chairman of Government Relations and the driving force within AF behind the original creation of the model, remarked that this activity “was the best review of this important work yet thanks to the passion, attention to the details, respectful deliberation, and diversity of professional perspective in the way the team will view the application of the ACM finished product.”

Within this group are five professional engineers, three Certified Automation Professionals® (CAP®), two technology fellows, a doctoral degree holder, two senior educators, and four ISA Fellows. All team members expressed confidence that the improvements made to the ACM are consistent with the latest trends in the automation industry.

The primary task remaining is for all automation professionals to utilize this model to improve their own skills and to gain recognition by all for the inherent value of automation for production safety, efficiency, and capacity and, as opportunities arise, to help educational institutions realize the benefits of the model as a road map to effectively: prepare the next generation of engineers and technicians to embrace careers in automation; build a better path through the formal education process; establish improved job descriptions; better engage young learners early in their education; and connect with military veterans to map their existing skills into the profession.

Automation elevates the roles of all people involved in production, including design, operations, and maintenance by putting intelligence into action. The recognition of the benefits of the automation profession needs to start with parents, students, and teachers, and continue with professors, instructors and ultimately with plant and corporate managers, including those in Human Resources departments. The ACM is the perfect tool to support these activities.

The review team consisted of Steve Pflantz, P.E., AF Chair and Associate at CRB Engineers; Dean Ford, CAP®, P.E., Executive Vice President at Westin Technology Solutions; Steve Mustard, CAP®, P.E., AF Cybersecurity Chair and President of National Automation; Nick Sands, CAP®, P.E., Manufacturing Technology Fellow at DuPont and International Society of Automation (ISA) Fellow; Paul Gruhn, P.E., 2019 ISA President, Safety Systems SME at aeSolutions, and ISA Fellow; Greg McMillan, retired Senior Fellow in Process Control Improvement at Solutia, ISA Fellow, and 2010 ISA Life Achievement Award recipient; Scott Ralls, Ph.D., President of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA); Phil Mintz, Executive Director of Industry Expansion Solutions IES, the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) for North Carolina; Michael Marlowe, former Managing Director of AF; and Huffman, Vice President of Marketing at Mead O’Brien, Inc., and ISA Fellow.

 #PAuto @Career1Stop #AutoFed

Significant impact on policy recognised.

The National Career Development Association (NCDA)—a non-profit organisation that provides professional development expertise and resources to practitioners and educators—presented a Legislative Award to Michael Marlowe, the past Executive Director of the Automation Federation. The award was presented on 22 June 2018 in Phoenix (AZ USA), at the NCDA Global Conference.

The NCDA Legislative Award recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact on policy or legislation related to the career development profession or to its recipients at the local, state, or national level.

In a press release announcing the award, NCDA recognized Marlowe’s long-standing contributions and collaboration: “Michael Marlowe has provided exemplary service and leadership in his role as co-chair of the NCDA Government Relations Committee. In his role at the Automation Federation, Mike established and supported a valuable collaborative effort with NCDA. Mike’s personal involvement and contacts with the White House and with key federal agencies, and his ability to utilize them to strengthen NCDA’s advocacy initiatives have produced results time and again.

NCDA is pleased to honor Mike with the Legislative Award for his good work and effective leadership in advancing NCDA’s Government Relations initiatives.”

@NCDAwebeditor #PAuto @isauto

What is automation?

Do you know that virtually everything we as humans depend on—the food we eat, the beverages we drink, the cars we drive, the electricity we use in our homes and so on—is made possible through automated processes and the skills and knowledge of automation professionals? It’s true. And beyond meeting our fundamental needs and providing the core resources of modern society, advances in automation technologies and methodologies enable scientists and other researchers to explore previously uncharted territories and extend the boundaries of progress. This new introductory video, developed by the Automation Federation, founded by the International  Society of Automation, explains automation in simple, easy-to-understand terms. The video also showcases some of the many rewarding career opportunities available in the automation field and features excerpts from practicing automation professionals. The video can serve as a great resource to share with the younger generation, particularly those in middle and high schools who are exploring potential career paths. It can also serve as a resource for those individuals looking to transition into a new field. The video is available for use at local career fairs and school science festivals and competitions. Help young people recognize the joys of STEM-focused learning and the value and potential of a career in automation and engineering. • Automation professionals network in Ireland through the ISA Ireland Section. #PAuto #TandM @ISA_Interchange @IrelandISA

Cybersecurity export to head automation body.

Marty Edwards is the new Managing Director of the Automation Federation*.  Edwards, a well known industrial control systems cybersecurity expert, is currently serving as Director of the Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT), an operational division of the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Marty Edwards

ICS-CERT works to reduce industrial control system risks within and across all critical infrastructure sectors by coordinating efforts among federal, state, local and tribal governments, as well as industrial control systems owners, operators and vendors. Prior to his ICS-CERT role, Edwards was a program manager focused on control systems security work at Idaho National Laboratory and held a wide variety of roles in the instrumentation and automation fields, including field service, instrument engineering, control systems engineering and project management.

“ISA and the Automation Federation are proud and excited to announce this news,” said ISA Executive Director and CEO Patrick Gouhin. “Mr. Edwards brings a remarkable and unique skill set – he is unquestionably one of the world’s foremost experts in industrial cybersecurity, and he has a background in real-world instrumentation and automation engineering. His knowledge and experience will prove an invaluable asset for automation professionals around the world in his new role, as he builds on the hard work and vision of our current Managing Director, Mike Marlowe. We owe Mr. Marlowe a debt of gratitude for his tireless dedication as a leader of the Automation Federation, and he has left a legacy for Mr. Edwards to continue.”

"I am excited to be joining an organization that will allow me to get back to my instrumentation and control system roots, and contribute to the success of the highly critical field of automation," said Edwards.

The Automation Federation has a distinguished history of involvement and expertise in industrial cybersecurity. Upon request from the US federal government, representatives of the Automation Federation assisted in the creation of the US Cybersecurity Framework and helped to implement the provisions of the US Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014. The ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards—representing a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity—are integral components of the US government’s current and future plans to combat industrial cyberattack.

At the invitation of the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)—an agency within the that country's Department of Commerce—the Automation Federation also plays a prominent role in organizing and participating in workshops designed to educate executives and manufacturing leaders on the vital need to implement recommended US Cybersecurity Framework guidelines.

The Automation Federation also partners with a wide range of other US government organizations (such as the US Department of Energy, the Department of Homeland Security, the US Department of Labor and the US National Guard) and private-sector groups (such as the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Rural Water Association) as well as its own members and working groups to leverage the strengths of ISA/IEC 62443 in defense of cyberwarfare.

Edwards bigins his tenure at the Automation Federation later this month (June 2017). Current Automation Federation Managing Director Mike Marlowe will continue with the organization as Managing Director Emeritus until his retirement in December.

Edwards holds a diploma of technology in Process Control and Industrial Automation (Magna cum Laude) from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), and in 2015 received its Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2016, Mr. Edwards was recognized by FCW in their “Federal 100 awards” as being one of the top IT professionals in the US government.

• The Automation Federation—an association of non-profit member organizations—is dedicated to fostering economic growth and manufacturing innovation by helping industry harness the immense capabilities and potential of automation technologies and applications. Its initiatives and expertise are focused on three key areas: industrial cybersecurity; workforce development; and member advocacy.
As the umbrella and outreach association of the International Society of Automation (ISA)—the developer of the world’s only consensus-based series of industrial cybersecurity standards (ISA/IEC 62443)—the Automation Federation works with government and industrial leaders to mitigate IACS security vulnerabilities.

#PAuto #Cybersecurity #ISAuto 

US and British collaboration in combating industrial cyberattack.

Industrial cybersecurity experts of the International Society of Automation (ISA), the Automation Federation (ISA’s umbrella organization), and the US and British governments, and global business leaders gathered in London 18 May 2017 to share common experiences and consider strategies to combat common threats.

The one-day meeting was co-sponsored by the Automation Federation and TechUK (an association of more than 950 member companies in Britain) at the request of the British government and the US Department of Homeland Security. The objective of the gathering was to examine operational technology/Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) cybersecurity challenges facing both the US and Britain. Meeting speakers and participants discussed shared experiences and obstacles and explored potential opportunities for collaboration.

Douglas Maughan

Douglas Maughan, Cyber Security Division Director within the US Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), explained in his presentation how industry and government within both countries can work together to improve industrial cybersecurity defenses.

Also presenting and participating were: Steve Mustard, an independent automation consultant and industrial cybersecurity subject-matter expert of ISA and the Automation Federation; James Keaveney, 2016 ISA President and 2017 Chairman of the Automation Federation; and Andre Ristaino, Managing Director of the ISA Security Compliance Institute.

Mustard pointed to ISA’s series of industrial automation and control system (IACS) security standards— adopted internationally as ISA/IEC 62443—as a flexible framework for preventing and limiting potentially devastating cyber damage to the industrial systems and networks used in critical infrastructure and other industrial environments.

Developed by leading international cybersecurity experts from industry, government and academia, ISA/IEC 62443 addresses industrial cybersecurity vulnerabilities across all key industry sectors and is regarded as the world’s only consensus-based series of IACS security standards.

Keaveney provided an overview of ISA’s integrated range of standards-based industrial cybersecurity training courses and related certificate programs. ISA has harnessed the ISA/IEC 62443 standards to develop a comprehensive set of industrial cybersecurity training courses and aligned certificate programs—covering the complete lifecycle of IACS assessment, design, implementation, operations and maintenance. ISA’s cybersecurity certificate programs are open to those who successfully complete the requirements of ISA’s related cybersecurity courses.

Ristaino, in a panel discussion, provided an overview of the ISA Security Compliance Institute (ISCI). ISCI manages the ISASecure™ conformance certification program, which ensures that control systems conform to relevant ISA/IEC 62443 cybersecurity standards and that IACS products and systems are robust against network attacks and free from known vulnerabilities*.

Prior to the meeting, on 16-17 May, ISA and Automation Federation representatives also attended and participated in the “Global Cybersecurity Innovation Summit,” which was presented by the Security Innovation Network (SINET) and co-sponsored by the British government and the US Department of Homeland Security, S&T. The focus of the summit was to help foster a more cohesive, worldwide cybersecurity community and accelerate innovation through collaboration.

*ISA/IEC 62443, ISA’s standard-based training and certificate programs, and other industrial cybersecurity resources offered by ISA.

@isa_interchange #PAuto #Cybersecurity   

Cybersecurity Career Pathways for Protecting Critical Infrastructure.

As part of its mission to help develop a workforce capable of competing in advanced manufacturing, the Automation Federation will deliver a presentation on career pathways in industrial cybersecurity at this week’s 2017 Workforce Development Institute conference. The conference, which will be conducted 25-28 January in Newport Beach, (CA USA), is sponsored by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). It will bring together education leaders, manufacturing executives, and workforce and economic development experts from both government and private enterprise to assess current workforce challenges and consider new partnerships and perspectives. The presentation by the Automation Federation, “Cybersecurity Career Pathways for Protecting Critical Infrastructure,” will be delivered on Friday morning (27th January). The Automation Federation has long regarded community colleges as essential for providing the community-based education and training needed to groom future automation and control professionals and engineers. For many years, it has been working with the AACC as well as individual community colleges to help expand students’ access to automation curriculum and degree programs. In 2012, the Automation Federation worked with the AACC to establish the US Automation Community College Consortium. The member colleges that comprise the Consortium use the Automation Federation’s Automation Competency Model as the framework for developing an automation curriculum that will result in two-year degree programs in specific automation arenas and provide an educational track leading to a four-year degree program in automation, engineering, and technology. The Automation Federation is currently working with numerous community colleges to develop automation curriculum leading to associate degrees in automation. “The Automation Federation and the AACC have established a strong partnership around the Community College Consortium,” emphasises Michael Marlowe, Managing Director and Director of Government Relations at the Automation Federation. “We’re confident that, by working together, we’re creating a pathway for a new generation of automation professionals that is so critical to the future of advanced manufacturing." #Cybersecurity  #PAuto @Comm_College

Intelligent buildings!

The Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA), an association dedicated to the advancement of intelligent home and intelligent building technologies and a member organization of the Automation Federation, will conduct the 2017 CABA Intelligent Buildings & Digital Home Forum April 26-28 2017 in Santa Clara, (CA USA).

The event—to be held on the campus of the Intel Corporation (a CABA board member)—will feature leading experts and organizations involved in the integration of intelligent building systems and connected home technologies. It’s an ideal opportunity to discover the latest trends and solutions spanning the Internet of Things (IoT), connected homes, M2M and intelligent building.

@caba_news #BAS #Conference

Broadening awareness of integrating both OT and IT to protect against cyberattack.

The SANS Institute (SANS)—a global leader in cybersecurity training, certification and research—is the latest and seventh working group* in the Automation Federation (AF).

As the umbrella and outreach association of the International Society of Automation (ISA)—the developer of the world’s only consensus-based series of industrial cybersecurity standards (ISA/IEC 62443)—the Automation Federation works with government and industrial leaders to mitigate security vulnerabilities of operational technology (OT), namely industrial automation and control systems (IACS).

By specialising in cybersecurity training, certification and research, SANS has developed worldwide expertise and experience in information technology (IT) and OT cybersecurity. The Global Information Assurance Certification’s (GIAC) Global Industrial Cyber Security Professional (GICSP) serves as a foundational certification of skills required to secure infrastructures as IT and OT continue to converge.

In adding SANS as one of its working groups, the AF takes a step forward in broadening awareness around the need to integrate both operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) perspectives and expertise in safeguarding IACS from cyberattack.

Understanding the distinctions between IT and OT, and how they can work together is essential to ensure the safe, proper operation of IACS and to prevent potentially catastrophic damage to critical infrastructure as a result of industrial cyberattack.

“The threat of cyberattacks around the world continues to mount,” points out Michael Marlowe, the AF’s Managing Director and Director of Government Relations. “There is growing recognition that implementing comprehensive cyber-defenses will require best-practice solutions from both IT and OT sectors. The addition of the SANS Institute to our working groups is very exciting because it positions us to make significant progress in this vital area.”

“The SANS Institute, ISA and the Automation Federation have been helping to build the next generation of IACS security workers for years,” says Michael Assante, the SANS lead for Industrial Control System (ICS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) security. “Together we can help organizations and professionals build safer and more secure infrastructures."

Patrick Gouhin, ISA Executive Director & CEO, says the addition of SANS as an Automation Federation working group will foster the meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding necessary for effective collaboration.

“All three organizations recognize the great potential that exists to build on our unique strengths and experience, and approach the threat of industrial cybersecurity in a more comprehensive and integrated manner,” Gouhin says. “SANS’ involvement as an Automation Federation working group is a vital first step toward realizing that potential.”

*The SANS Institute joins The Alabama Technology Network, The Propulsion Instrumentation Working Group (PIWG), the Industrial Extension Service of NC State University, Cerritos College, Cleveland Community College, and Northern Virginia Community College as Automation Federation working groups.

@SANSInstitute #PAuto #Cybersecurity 

Conference on Gas Turbine Instrumentation.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)—a member organization of the Automation Federation—has released the technical program for its upcoming EVI-GTI and PIWG joint conference on Gas Turbine Instrumentation, which will take place 27-29 September in Berlin (D).  Drawing on the expertise and insights of some of the world’s leading gas turbine experts and specialists, the technical program will showcase the latest and most innovative instrumentation techniques, developments and applications within gas turbines measurement and control systems. (Click: here for program overview, here to download the full conference program.) Research presentations and technical sessions will cover the critical issues and topics of importance to gas turbine professionals and process engineers, namely: Sensing systems for EHM and control Measurements in flows Vibration and clearance Control and sampling Temperature measurement and harsh environment sensing Other conference highlights include: Keynote addresses by: Harvey Niska, Senior Technology Manager, Honeywell Aerospace, USA, who will speak on “Opportunities for Advanced Sensors and Measurements in Gas Turbine Engines;” and Hans-Gerd Brummel, Dr.-Ing, Technical Expert for Innovative Sensor & Data Analytics Development, Siemens, Germany, who will speak on “Sensor, Monitoring and Operation Optimisation Developments for Large Stationary Gas Turbines” A workshop on “Transitioning Instrumentation from Test-cell to EHM Applications,” led by international experts from the AFRL, USA, the Polish Air Force, the Netherlands Aerospace Centre and the Bundeswehr Technical and Airworthiness Center for Aircraft (WTD 61), Germany Ample networking opportunities, including a conference dinner on board the restaurant ship, Capt'n Schillow, moored close to the heart of Berlin Gas turbine demonstrations at technical site visits Register Here @TheIET #PAuto

Security at Orlando in February.

Experts representing the Automation Federation and the ISA Security Compliance Institute have been selected to speak at the 20th Annual ARC Industry Forum, which will be held 8-11 February 2016 in Orlando, (FL USA). This year’s ARC Industry Forum, titled “Industry in Transition: Navigating the New Age of Innovation,” is designed to provide answers to these and other compelling questions: How are leading companies preparing for the new age of industrial innovation? In what ways do these companies expect to improve their business performance? What specific capabilities are needed to achieve transformational change? What steps can organizations take to foster innovative thinking? Two leaders representing the Automation Federation—an association founded by the International Society of Automation (ISA) to serve as the “The Voice of Automation”—will explain how competency models can help community colleges, industry and government address the critical shortage of qualified professionals in advanced manufacturing. Today, six out of 10 production jobs remain open because of the talent shortage, according to a recent study by The Manufacturing Institute and Deloitte. Some experts predict that up to 2 million manufacturing jobs in the US may go unfilled over the next 10 years. “The Automation Federation has been working with the US Department of Labor to develop competency models that serve as building blocks for careers in automation, industrial cybersecurity and engineering technology,” says Steve Huffman, Chairman of the Automation Federation’s Government Relations Committee. “These models clearly outline the abilities, knowledge and skills required to gain employment and perform well in these high-demand professions.” Huffman, a widely recognized expert in process systems optimization, new application development and technical education, will join fellow Automation Federation leader Steve Mustard, who specializes in process automation and business process reengineering, in leading a workshop on the use of competency models in defining cybersecurity skills. Also participating in the workshop are Jen Worth, Senior Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development at the American Association of Community Colleges; and Mitchell Sepaugh, Project Manager of Industrial Systems at the National Consortium for Mission Critical Operations. The four workshop panelists also will discuss the fundamental differences between certificate programs, certifications and licensure.  All are often misunderstood and each has a different set of advantages and disadvantages. Also at the upcoming ARC Industry Forum, Jeff Melrose—the Principal Technology Strategist for Cybersecurity at Yokogawa—will speak on behalf of the ISA Security Compliance Institute (ISCI) during a workshop on cybersecurity and the plant engineer. ISCI, founded in 2007 by asset owners and suppliers, operates a standards-based cybersecurity certification program that certifies commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) industrial automation control systems (IACS) to the ISA/IEC 62443 standards for devices and systems. The ISASecure® designation provides assurances that IACS products conform to industry-consensus cybersecurity standards, such as ISA/IEC 62443.    Among other topics, the workshop will explore how mounting industrial cybersecurity concerns are placing greater pressures on plant managers to improve security while maintaining operational safety and reliability. Speakers will consider the influence of technology, workplace skills and effective risk assessment in achieving satisfactory outcomes. Actual case studies from end users will be discussed, and panelists will welcome feedback from the workshop participants.  @ARCWorldForum #PAuto

Papers for Gas turbine instrumentation.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology issues Call For Papers for the 8th EVI-GTI Conference on Gas Turbine Instrumentation.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET)—a member organization of the Automation Federation—has issued a Call for Papers, inviting experts within the international gas turbine instrumentation community to share their latest research and results at the 2016 EVI-GTI Conference on Gas Turbine Instrumentation. The conference, to take place in 26th - 28th September 2016 in Berlin (D), will bring together gas turbine professionals, process engineers and leading industry experts to discuss new and innovative instrumentation techniques, developments and applications relating to gas turbines measurement and control systems. Abstract submission and consideration Authors wishing to submit papers and present at the 2016 EVI-GTI Conference on Gas Turbine Instrumentation are required to submit an abstract for consideration by the Conference’s Technical Programme Committee. Following the review of abstracts, successful authors will be invited to submit a full paper for a second review by the committee. The deadline for abstract submission is 22 April 2016. To get more details regarding abstracts, submit an abstract and review all deadlines, visit the author information web page. To learn more about the 2016 EVI-GTI Conference on Gas Turbine Instrumentation, click here.   @IETevents #PAuto

Intelligent building technologies event.

The Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA), an association dedicated to the advancement of intelligent home and intelligent building technologies and a member organization of the Automation Federation, will conduct the CABA Intelligent Buildings & Digital Home Forum 26-28 April 2016 at the Handlery Hotel in San Diego, (CA USA).

This year’s event is expected to draw a diverse range of professionals seeking the latest trends and solutions spanning the Internet of Things (IoT), connected homes, M2M and intelligent building.

Remote connectivity in IACS.

The Automation Federation has released a public report—commissioned on behalf of the Linking Oil and Gas Industry to Improve Cybersecurity (LOGIIC)—that studies the possible use of remote connectivity to systems in the industrial automation and control systems (IACS) environment for the purposes of monitoring and diagnostics.

The objective of the LOGIIC Remote Access Project report (pdf) is to convey important factors when considering remote access in an IACS environment and support a dialogue between asset owners and automation vendors. The report presents conclusions, based on technical assessment and analysis, on the use of remote access for monitoring of end-devices in an IACS environment.

Although remote access solutions are commonly present in business environments, use of this technology in the IACS environment requires evaluation of risk, planning, and security controls to ensure core assets are protected from attack and unauthorized access is prevented.

Vendors use remote connectivity to monitor equipment at asset owner sites. Data collected from this equipment provides insight into system health information and can be useful in troubleshooting and optimization efforts.

Download the Report (pdf)

For the purposes of the report, LOGIIC conducted a series of research surveys and studies to identify product offerings in the marketplace, their applicability to the IACS environment, and cybersecurity capabilities. Hands-on assessment activities, conducted in an IACS environment, identified the security risks and capabilities of remote access solutions and the impacts associated with their use in an operational setting.

This public report follows the completion of successful activities held between IACS automation vendors, subject matter experts and LOGIIC in several countries all over the world. This public report was finalized in parallel with a highly successful LOGIIC workshop held earlier this year in Houston. This LOGIIC workshop was aimed to identify and prioritize key cyber security challenges and opportunities for future LOGIIC projects. Future LOGIIC workshops are under investigation.

The LOGIIC Consortium, now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, was established by members of the oil and gas industry in partnership with the Cybersecurity Research and Development Center (CSRDC) of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate to study cybersecurity issues in IACS that impact safety and business performance as they pertain to the oil and gas sector.

LOGIIC’s objective is to promote the interests of the sector while maintaining impartiality, the independence of the participants, and vendor neutrality. Current members of LOGIIC include BP, Chevron, Shell, Total, and other large oil and gas companies that operate significant global energy infrastructure.

The Automation Federation serves as the LOGIIC host organization and has entered into agreements with the LOGIIC member companies and all other LOGIIC project participants.

LOGIIC regularly sponsors research initiatives that involve the interests of oil and gas sector stakeholders. Member companies contribute financially and technically, provide personnel who meet regularly to define projects of common interest, and provide staff to serve on the LOGIIC Executive Committee.

The US DHS, Science and Technology Directorate has contracted with the scientific research organization SRI International to provide scientific and technical guidance for LOGIIC.

Industrial control, automation, package, security and other related vendors have made LOGIIC projects possible by volunteering their time, knowledge, equipment and test environments. Subject-matter experts work with SRI International to refine the evaluation strategy, perform the system evaluations and develop project reports.

Celebration of young people’s interest in science and technology.

As strategic alliance partners of FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), the International Society of Automation (ISA) and its umbrella organization, the Automation Federation, took part in last week’s FIRST Championship, an annual international celebration of young people’s interest and participation in science and technology. More than 18,000 students from around the globe, from ages 6 to 18, gathered 22-25 April in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), to put their engineering skills and scientific know-how to the test in four different age-specific, team-oriented FIRST programs. This year’s championship event drew more than 900 student teams from 40 countries around the world.   An FRC team makes some final adjustments on its robot before the competition last week. A centerpiece of the four-day event was the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), which combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of designing and building robots. The competition provides students, from grades 9 through 12, with the opportunity to use sophisticated software and hardware, learn from professional engineers, collaborate, earn recognition, and qualify for millions of dollars in college scholarships. In all, more than 75,000 high school students, comprising more than 3,000 teams, participated in 56 FRC regional competitions. In support of this year’s FIRST Championship, ISA and the Automation Federation hosted an informational exhibit where student competitors could learn about the automation profession and how to plan for careers in the field.  “This event continues to amaze me each and every time I go,” proclaimed Steven Pflantz, an electrical and automation engineer and ISA and Automation Federation leader who has now attended all five FIRST Championship events held in St. Louis. “The positive energy from all these kids having fun, being challenged and competing in this way is uplifting and awe inspiring. This is a remarkable and talented group of young people, and a lot of them are potential future automation professionals.” Pflantz was among a select group of practicing automation professionals from the St. Louis area---volunteering on behalf of ISA and the Automation Federation—that met with FIRST competitors and their family members to answer questions about career opportunities in automation and engineering. Joining Pflantz, an Associate at CRB Consulting Engineers, at the ISA/Automation Federation exhibit were:  Carrie Tietjen – Process Automation Consultant, Experitec, Inc. Cory Kniepp – Sr. District Sales Manager Central Plains Region, Emerson Industrial Automation, ASCO Numatics Nick Erickson– Sales Representative, Instrumentation & Controls, Mead O’Brien Michael Unterreiner – Sr. Process Specialist, Emerson Industrial Automation, ASCO Numatics Gregg Dougan – Account Manager, Experitec, Inc. Frank McCormack – ‎Principal Controls Engineer, EPIC Systems, Inc. “All of us came away highly impressed with how many of these young people are already mapping out their future plans,” Pflantz reports. “Based on the positive energy they are generating and the commitment they are demonstrating, I feel there are no limits or boundaries these students cannot reach.” In addition to inspiring STEM-centered creativity and inventiveness, Pflantz says FIRST competitions help cultivate the practical skills that are required to succeed in the workplace. “It’s not all just about building robots,” he points out. “Because FIRST stresses the importance of planning, project management and collaboration, these young people are gaining vital real-world experiences they can put to use in their future careers.” A positive job market for automation and engineering professionals Career options are bright in engineering and automation because the demand for qualified employees in these fields far outstrips availability. In the US, the number of science and engineering jobs over the past decade has grown three times more quickly than jobs in other sectors. At the same time, colleges and universities aren’t producing enough graduates to fill the jobs. Just half of college students who start with a science- or math-related major graduate with this type of degree, according to a recent report from the US Department of Commerce. By one estimate, the US alone will need more than 120 million workers with advanced manufacturing skills by 2020. At the current pace, America will prepare less than half of that number. Pflantz emphasizes that more needs to be done to encourage STEM learning among young people and to expand awareness about careers in automation and engineering. “Automation and control professionals need to get the word out about the advantages of pursuing a career path in engineering and automation,” Pflantz declares. “As working professionals, we can play an important role in helping young people decide what to do, and make better decisions as well as providing mentorship during the initial phases of their careers.”

Report on virtualisation in IACS.

The Automation Federation has released a public report—commissioned on behalf of the Linking Oil and Gas Industry to Improve Cybersecurity (LOGIIC)—that examines the use of virtualization technology in industrial automation and control system (IACS) environments. Virtualization allows for the implementation of environments via a software-based solution rather than with the introduction of additional hardware. Like other industries, interest is high on any opportunities that can reduce the hardware footprint, address challenges of finding hardware for unsupported operating systems, and provide flexibility in creating training and testing environments. The LOGIIC virtualization report—accessible on the LOGIIC website—outlines the critical factors that should be weighed when considering virtualization in an IACS environment; and evaluates and tests current automation system vendor practices to generate guidelines and reference architectures for securing virtual environments spanning multiple process control network layers. The report also is designed to prompt and support an ongoing dialogue between critical infrastructure asset owners and operators and automation system vendors. The LOGIIC Consortium, now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, was established by members of the oil and gas industry in partnership with the Cybersecurity Research and Development Center (CSRDC) of the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate to study cybersecurity issues in IACS that impact safety and business performance as they pertain to the oil and gas sector. LOGIIC’s objective is to promote the interests of the sector while maintaining impartiality, the independence of the participants, and vendor neutrality. Current members of LOGIIC include BP, Chevron, Shell, Total, and other large oil and gas companies that operate significant global energy infrastructure. The Automation Federation serves as the LOGIIC host organization and has entered into agreements with the LOGIIC member companies and all other LOGIIC project participants. LOGIIC regularly sponsors research initiatives that involve the interests of oil and gas sector stakeholders. Member companies contribute financially and technically, provide personnel who meet regularly to define projects of common interest, and provide staff to serve on the LOGIIC Executive Committee. The US Department of Homeland Security, Science and Technology Directorate has contracted with the scientific research organization SRI International to provide scientific and technical guidance for LOGIIC. Industrial control, automation, package, security and other related vendors have made LOGIIC projects possible by volunteering their time, knowledge, equipment and test environments. Subject-matter experts work with SRI International to refine the evaluation strategy, perform the system evaluations and develop project reports.

Industrial cybersecurity seminar at forum!

The Automation Federation is scheduled to conduct a high-profile seminar on industrial cybersecurity at the  19th Annual ARC Industry Forum, which will take place 9-12 February 2015 in Orlando (FL USA)

Agenda

9 February 2015.

• 9 a.m. – 9:05 a.m.
Welcome
Peggie Koon, Ph.D., Chair, Automation Federation; 2014 ISA President
• 9:05 a.m. – 9:10 a.m.
Introduction of White House Speaker
Mike Marlowe, Managing Director and Director of Government Relations at the Automation Federation
• 9:10 a.m. – 9:25 a.m.
White House Executive Order
Jeanette Manfra, Director of Cybersecurity Critical Infrastructure Protection at the White House (scheduled)
• 9:25 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Introduction of NIST Speaker
Mike Marlowe
• 9:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
NIST Cybersecurity Framework Presentation
Adam Sedgewick, Senior Policy Advisor, NIST
• 9:45 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
Introduction of IEC-62443 Speaker
Mike Marlowe
• 9:50 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.
IEC-62443 Standard Presentation
Eric Cosman, Co-Chair, ISA99 Security Standards Committee; and Automation Federation Cybersecurity Framework Team Member

• 10:05 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Break

• 10:15 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Introduction of ISA Cybersecurity Resources Speaker
Mike Marlowe
• 10:20 a.m. – 10:35 a.m.
ISA Cybersecurity Resources Presentation
Steve Huffman, Chair of Automation Federation Government Relations Committee; and Former Automation Federation Chair/ISA President
10:35 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.
Introduction of Exelon Cybersecurity Presentation
Mike Marlowe
• 10:40 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.
Exelon Cybersecurity Presentation
Samara Moore, Senior Manager, Critical Infrastructure Security and Compliance, Exelon Corporate & Information Security Services
• 10:55 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Introduction of FBI Infragard Presentation
Mike Marlowe
• 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
FBI Infragard Presentation
FBI Special Agent David Nelson
• 11:15 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.
Introduction of Mission Critical Operations Presentation
Mike Marlowe
• 11:20 a.m. – 11:35 a.m.
Mission Critical Operations Presentation
Mitchell Sepaugh, Project Manager, Industrial Systems National Consortium for Mission Critical Operations
• 11:35 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.
Introduction of Manufacturing Extension Partnership Presentation
Mike Marlowe
• 11:40 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.
Manufacturing Extension Partnership Presentation
John Dorris and Phil Mintz, NC Industrial Extension Service
Noon
Adjourn

The seminar—to be conducted from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, 9 February—will feature many of the world’s foremost experts in industrial cybersecurity, including officials from the White House, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the National Consortium for Mission Critical Operations (NCMCO), ISA, the Automation Federation and other select organizations. (View the agenda toward the end of this press release.)

The title of the forum, “Industry in Transition: The Information-Driven Enterprise for the Connected World,” reflects the recognition that leading companies must embrace new information and automation technologies to maintain a competitive edge and protect their critical assets.

A vital step manufacturers and owners and operators of critical infrastructure can take to safeguard their critical assets and better protect themselves from cyberattack is the adoption of industrial cybersecurity standards, guidelines and compliance testing.

As a leading authority on industrial automation control systems (IACS) security standards, the Automation Federation and its founding association, ISA, have worked closely with US government officials and lawmakers in Washington to build support for a national commitment to more rigorous cybersecurity as well as federal cybersecurity legislation.

The Automation Federation will play an active role in the implementation of The Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014, which was recently passed by Congress and signed into law by US President Obama.

The bipartisan bill is designed to strengthen and protect the nation’s economic and national security through public-private partnerships to improve cybersecurity and a greater reliance on cybersecurity standards; research and development; workforce development and education; and public awareness and preparedness.

IACS security standards developed by ISA (IEC-62443) are integral components of the federal government’s plans to combat cyberattack because they’re designed to prevent and offset potentially devastating cyber damage to industrial plant systems and networks—commonly used in transportation grids, power plants, water treatment facilities, and other vital industrial settings.

In addition to cybersecurity, other programs comprising the ARC Industry Forum include:

• Analytics for Operational Excellence
• Asset Performance Management
• Cloud Computing Solutions
• Energy Management Solutions
• Industrial Internet of Things
• Innovations in Automation Systems
• Workforce Development and Training

To register for the conference, and gain more details about all forum workshops, seminars and sessions, download the conference program.

Intelligent buildings & digital home

The Continental Automated Buildings Association (CABA), an association dedicated to the advancement of intelligent home and intelligent building technologies and a member of the Automation Federation, will conduct the CABA Intelligent Buildings & Digital Home Forum 14-16 April 2015 at the Renaissance Austin Hotel in Austin, (TX USA)

The event, which will be co-located with the Broadband Communities Summit, is dedicated to the advancement of connected home and intelligent buildings technologies. More than 1,000 attendees are expected to enjoy the planned tours, keynote presentations, workshops and various networking events and receptions.

Automation Group lauded for industry advocacy!

Frost & Sullivan's Manufacturing Leadership Council, a global business leadership network dedicated to senior executives in the manufacturing industry, recently recognised the Automation Federation as one of 100 world-class manufacturing companies in its 2014 Leadership 100 Awards (ML100 Awards) program.

Now in its 10^th year, the Manufacturing Leadership Awards Program honors companies and individuals that are shaping the future of global manufacturing. The 2014 ML Awards panel of expert judges concluded that Automation Federation has demonstrated excellence in promoting “Cybersecurity for Operational Technology in Industry Advocacy Leadership,” one of the awards program’s most competitive categories.

The Manufacturing Leadership Council, on its website, refers to cybersecurity as one of the critical issues facing manufacturing: “Both small and large manufacturing enterprises are becoming increasingly technology-enabled, and technology-dependent, in the way they run their businesses. All face rising challenges in understanding and responding to a host of new digital vulnerabilities and national regulations. Such cyber threats may take the form of internal disruption, accidental or deliberate, partner network security breaches, and outright external hacking and attack. Protecting a manufacturing company’s most valuable physical, digital and intellectual assets from cyber disruption is now essential to operational continuity and corporate security in today’s digital business world.”
Throughout 2013, The Automation Federation, the umbrella organisation of the International Society of Automation (ISA), has been a strong and vocal advocate for the use of ISA’s industrial automation and control systems (IACS) cybersecurity standards (ISA/IEC 62443) in better protecting industry and critical infrastructure from cyberattack.

The Automation Federation has played a critical role in the development of the US Cybersecurity Framework, a how-to guide for American industry and operators of critical infrastructure to strengthen their cyber defenses. In fact, ever since US President Obama called for the formation of the framework just over a year ago, representatives of the Automation Federation have been advising the Obama administration—at the White House's request—on the value of ISA’s industrial cybersecurity standards and the importance of incorporating them as core framework guidelines.

The Automation Federation is currently co-sponsoring a series of seminars throughout the US that are designed to better educate manufacturing and industrial leaders about the US Cybersecurity Framework and encourage their assistance in the plan’s implementation.

Cybersecurity experts across the globe regard ISA's IACS security standards as essential safeguards because they focus on proper control system functioning, plant protection and operations, and time-critical systems response. Without these safeguards in place, industrial cyberattack can result in plant shutdown, operational and equipment impairment, significant economic and environmental damage, and public endangerment.

“The Automation Federation is honoured to be recognised for its efforts in raising awareness around the need to better defend America’s critical assets from the serious risks posed by cyberwarfare,” says Michael Marlowe, Automation Federation Managing Director and Government Relations Director. “While no one can prevent industrial cyber attacks, you can significantly reduce your vulnerabilities. That’s why ISA cybersecurity standards are so valuable. They’re proven to mitigate and minimize the consequences.”

All recipients of the ML100 Awards will be honored during an awards ceremony at the 2014 Manufacturing Leadership Summit, which will be held 3-5 June 2014 in Palm Beach, Florida, USA.

Automation representative outlines cybersecurity policy before US high level body

ISA leader advocates two-part approach to industrial cybersecurity

Protecting industry and critical infrastructure from cyberattack requires the implementation of comprehensive industrial automation and control systems (IACS) cybersecurity standards as well as the use of IACS components that have been certified to conform to these standards, said Patrick Gouhin, Executive Director and CEO of the International Society of Automation (ISA), at a US government cybersecurity meeting held recently in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.

“In addition to having industry-consensus IACS cybersecurity standards in place, asset owners need to utilize IACS product suppliers and components that have been tested and certified to be cybersecure,” emphasised Gouhin, speaking at a workshop sponsored by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency of the US Department of Commerce.


The workshop, the fifth in a series, was conducted at the North Carolina State University and attracted more than 400 attendees. The gathering drew leading cybersecurity experts across America and the world—as well as other key stakeholders in industry, academia, and government—to weigh in on the merits of a national Cybersecurity Framework called for by US President Barack Obama.

The purpose of the workshop was to elicit further stakeholder input on the preliminary draft of the Cybersecurity Framework, consider any changes to the draft, and to discuss strategies for the plan’s implementation.

Among the topics covered at the workshop included:

• Considerations for small- and medium-size businesses
• How to use the framework
• Voluntary critical infrastructure cybersecurity program
• Research and development
• Framework ecosystem development
• Privacy and civil liberties

At NIST’s request, both ISA and its sister organization, the Automation Federation, have served as advisors to the US government in the development of the Cybersecurity Framework draft and have actively participated in all workshops. The Automation Federation, in fact, played a key role in organizing yesterday’s workshop.

ISA99

Through the work of the ISA Committee on Security for Industrial Automation & Control Systems (ISA99), ISA has developed the ANSI/ISA99, Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security standards (known internationally as ISA/IEC 62443).

Developed by a cross-section of international cybersecurity subject-matter experts from industry, government and academia, the series of ISA/IEC 62443 standards apply to all key industry sectors and critical infrastructure, and, as a result, provide the flexibility to address and mitigate current and future vulnerabilities in IACS.

Director Gouhin warned that a cyberattack on industrial automation and control systems—commonly used in transportation grids, power plants, water treatment facilities, and other industrial settings—could have potentially devastating results that include:

• endangerment of public or employee safety
• environmental damage
• erosion of public confidence
• violation of regulatory requirements
• loss of proprietary or confidential information
• economic loss
• weakened entity, local, state, or national security

“Implementing widespread cybersecurity standards is essential because many industrial production settings and infrastructure environments throughout the world are inadequately prepared for cyberwarfare,” he said. “The other piece is ensuring that industrial automation suppliers and supplier practices and products are cybersecure as well.”

The ISA Security Compliance Institute (ISCI), an affiliate of ISA, has developed a widely recognized compliance and testing program called ISASecure™ that ensures that industrial automation and control devices and equipment conform to the ISA/IEC 62443 cybersecurity standards.

“The combination of the ISA/IEC 62443 industrial automation and control systems standards and ISASecure certification provide a critical, two-fold layer of cybersecurity,” Gouhin asserts. “In addition to implementing vital IACS cybersecurity standards, asset owners would know that the IACS products and components they purchase are capable of defending against network attacks and are free from security vulnerabilities.”

Protecting America's strategic infrastructure!

The Automation Federation and the Alabama Technology Network will sponsor an informative, free seminar on 21 February 2014 in Birmingham, Alabama, USA to examine the details surrounding the implementation of America’s Cybersecurity Framework.

Register to attend today To register to attend this important, free seminar, click here, or contact Isaac Queen at +1-256-215-4253 or via email at iqueen@atn.org. Time & location. February 21, 2014 8 a.m. to noon Jefferson State Community College - Shelby County Campus HSB Multipurpose Room - First Floor 4600 Valleydale Road Birmingham, Alabama 35242 USA

The Automation Federation has been actively involved in the development of the Cybersecurity Framework, which was recently released by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). President Barack Obama, through an executive order in early 2013, called for NIST to create the Cybersecurity Framework as the first step in a comprehensive plan to safeguard American industry and critical infrastructure from potentially crippling cyberattack.

At the seminar, representatives from the White House, NIST and leading cybersecurity subject matter experts will explain the importance of the Cybersecurity Framework, and will illustrate why industrial automation control systems (IACS) security standards are such vital components of the plan and essential to its successful implementation.

Seminar attendees will learn:

• How woefully under-prepared American industry and critical infrastructure are to prevent cyberattack on IACS, which could result in severe economic and environmental damage, significant operational impairment, and public endangerment.
• The role and value of ANSI/ISA99, Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security standards (also known as IEC 62443) in preventing and mitigating cyberattack and security breaches.
• All the key provisions and essential details of the Cybersecurity Framework.

At NIST’s request, the Automation Federation and its affiliated organization, the International Society of Automation (ISA), have served as advisors to the federal government in the formation of the framework. Both the Automation Federation and ISA strongly recommended that the ANSI/ISA99 IACS security standards be incorporated as essential framework components.

The ANSI/ISA99 standards—developed by a cross-section of international cybersecurity subject-matter experts from industry, government and academia—apply to all key industry sectors and critical infrastructure, and, as a result, provide the flexibility to address and mitigate current and future vulnerabilities in IACS.

“The Automation Federation is committed to assisting the White House and NIST in implementing the Cybersecurity Framework,” says Mike Marlowe, Automation Federation Managing Director. “This seminar, and others to follow, will provide industry leaders with a greater understanding of what is required to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure.”