IEEE Begins Revisions to SA Protocols to Deal with Security Issues

IEEE (News - Alert), a professional association that advances technology for humanity, announced that work has begun on revisions to Secure Authentication (SA) protocols contained in its IEEE 1815 Distributed Network Protocol (DNP3) standard.

According to officials the SA Version 5 revisions will help bolster overall security for data information gathering, exchange, and use in applications like supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems.

The increase in the occurrence of malicious cyber attacks will be addressed by SA Version 5 which will deal with and help mitigate digital security hazards. The solution will be useful for infrastructures in the power, energy, water, Smart Grid, and other process automation industries.

In a release, H. Lee Smith (News - Alert), chair, IEEE 1815 Working Group and president, DNP Users Group said, “As the rate of bolder, more sophisticated cyber attacks continues to spiral upward, ensuring data integrity and security has become increasingly challenging. By necessity, preventing unauthorized intrusion into critical systems has become a top priority. By delivering robust security protocols that are attuned to both existing and emerging threats, SA Version 5 will help minimize risk while ensuring the continued efficient and safe operation of vital infrastructures.”

The IEEE 1815 DNP3 standard serves as a multi-layered framework to achieve device interoperability. It is developed by IEEE and the DNP Users Group as an adopted standard in the process automation industry. The standard suits global Smart Grid deployments by facilitating seamless interaction and secure two-way communications between diverse systems and devices, said officials.

Judy Gorman, managing director, IEEE-SA said, “Disruptive innovations like the Smart Grid hold vast potential for significantly improving the quality of life for millions of people around the world. Preserving and advancing these nascent technologies requires the adoption of proactive strategies to solve security challenges at their inception, rather than after the fact.”

The Secure Authentication Version 5 will provide a firm foundation for securing mission-critical data systems. It clearly illustrates IEEE’s unique consensus-building and leadership abilities, revealed officials.

In other news, Optelian (News - Alert), a trusted designer and manufacturer of SMART optical transport systems, today announced that it has been named Outstanding Information and Communications Technology company by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Ottawa Section.