ISA creates Global Security Alliance

The International Society of Automation (ISA) has created an open forum to advance cybersecurity awareness, readiness, and knowledge sharing.

Cyber threats and attacks can affect safety assets, operations, and appliances in numerous industries, and new methods are needed to prevent, mitigate, and respond to cyber threats and attacks.

"The ICS cybersecurity threat landscape is becoming more complex, with more direct attacks on control system, IT, and OT infrastructure. Frequently backed by hostile nation-states, malevolent actors are becoming more sophisticated at targeting specific aspects of industrial control systems that have the potential to wreak havoc in the physical world, such as process safety systems," said Larry O'Brien, Vice President of Research for ARC Advisory Group.

The ISA Global Security Alliance will bring together stakeholders from end-user companies, control system vendors, IT and OT infrastructure providers, and system integrators. Its objectives are to encourage the adoption and compliance with global standards, develop certification and education programmes for industry professionals, drive advocacy and thought leadership, and facilitate knowledge sharing.

"Several leading automation and other technology providers have engaged ISA to explore how they can work with us to proactively increase awareness and adoption of cybersecurity best practices, standards, and compliance in all relevant sectors," said Mary Ramsey, ISA Executive Director. "As an independent non-profit organisation dedicated to improving operational excellence, ISA is uniquely able to fulfil the need for open, collaborative discussions and knowledge sharing."

"Standards and frameworks are valuable, but end users also need the resources to take the guidance provided by standards and put it into practice in real-world plant and OT environments,” said O’Brien. “ARC applauds this effort to increase the security of industrial facilities."

The initial members of the Global Security Alliance will be announced by ISA in the coming weeks.