Emerson introduces Ovation Security Center

　　December 12, 2008 - Emerson Process Management introduced the Ovation Security Center. Tightly integrated into the company’s industry-leading Ovation expert control system, the Ovation Security Center makes it easier for Emerson’s power generation customers to manage the execution of cyber-security measures related to compliance with the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards. These standards require the power industry to identify and protect critical cyber assets related to the reliable operation of bulk electric systems.

　　The Ovation Security Center’s centrally located console streamlines management of the following security applications:

　　Security event collection and threat identification

　　Patch deployment and audit

　　Malware detection and prevention

　　Event log storage and reporting

　　Intrusion detection and prevention

　　Data back-up and recovery

　　Vulnerability assessment and management

　　The Security Center’s event management capability provides a centralized event collection, event correlation, and threat identification function for security-related events in an Ovation control system. Security events are collected from each network device including network intrusion detection systems, firewalls, routers, switches, servers, workstations, controllers, and Security Center application modules.

　　Critical security events that require plant personnel intervention are forwarded to a notification function, such as the Ovation alarm system, an e-mail or pager. Periodic updates to patches, vulnerability databases and security signatures are downloaded through Emerson’s SureService software update program, and standard security management reports are available for operations management and regulatory compliance.

　　These enhancements complement Emerson’s existing cyber-security measures, resulting in an integrated, robust solution for owners/operators of power generation facilities. They also underscore Emerson’s ongoing commitment to providing customers with comprehensive solutions that address the power industry’s evolving security challenges. As part of its SureService customer support program, Emerson also offers security assessments and audits.

　　"Helping our customers operate their plants securely, reliably, safely and efficiently has always been – and will continue to be – a top priority for Emerson,” said Bob Yeager, president of the Power & Water Solutions division of Emerson. “The integration of the Ovation Security Center within the Ovation control system is just the latest in our ongoing efforts aimed at ensuring that Emerson continues to be the secure choice in power plant automation and control.”

　　About Emerson Process Management

　　Emerson Process Management, an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the power, water and wastewater treatment, metals and mining, chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and other industries.

　　Emerson's Power & Water Solutions division is a global supplier of advanced distributed process control and information systems. The Pittsburgh-based company is a recognized leader in developing plant-wide process control solutions for the power generation, water treatment and wastewater treatment industries. Power & Water Solutions plays a key role in the Emerson mission of combining superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services. Emerson brands include: PlantWeb; Ovation; Scenario, SmartProcess; Fisher; Micro Motion; Rosemount; Daniel, Bristol, DeltaV; and AMS Suite.