The International Society of Automation (ISA), a global leader in industrial cybersecurity standards, today announces it will conduct a conference in June 2014 to help corporations and operators of critical infrastructure better protect their systems and networks from potentially destructive cyber attacks.
The conference, which will feature acclaimed industrial cybersecurity experts from industry, government and academia, will be held as a sub-conference of THE BIG M Manufacturing Convergence, an inaugural event produced by SME to explore the diverse challenges and solutions across all areas of manufacturing. THE BIG M will be held 9-12 June 2014 at the Cobo Center in Detroit, Michigan USA.
“While no one can prevent industrial cyberattacks from occurring, you can significantly reduce your risk by understanding the vulnerabilities and minimizing the consequences,” says Eric C. Cosman, a consulting engineer at Dow Chemical and a nationally recognized expert on industrial automation and control systems (IACS) security. “This valuable conference will shed light on what you can do to protect your industrial networks and control systems from serious damage from cyber threats.”
Without taking the proper protective steps, Cosman warns that industrial cyber attack could contribute to equipment failure and impairment, production loss or regulatory violations, with possible negative impacts on the environment or public welfare.
Through engaging technical sessions and presentations, the ISA Cybersecurity Conference 2014 will:
- Reveal how to detect cyber threats and mitigate the risks and exposure to your plant systems and networks
- Introduce proven industrial control systems security standards and practices and demonstrate how to leverage them
- Showcase best practices utilized in various industries and highlight peer experiences and lessons learned
The conference program also will pinpoint the role and ramifications of technology as well as business and human factors, and how to effectively balance them within the scope of a comprehensive industrial cybersecurity initiative.
Co-located at THE BIG M
The ISA Cybersecurity Conference 2014 is being held in conjunction with THE BIG M Manufacturing Convergence, an inaugural event produced by SME to explore the diverse challenges and solutions across all areas of manufacturing.
You’ll be able to expand your knowledge in other key areas—from smart and digital manufacturing to advanced materials and sustainability—through direct discussions with industry leaders and by participating in a wide range of small-group technical and networking sessions.
THE BIG M also features an expansive exhibition where leading companies—including ISA—will be demonstrating their latest and most innovative solutions and services.
“When manufacturers talk about our industry, they often say, `Not just manufacturing, but THE BIG M,’ which includes the entire manufacturing enterprise from innovation and ideas, through design and production to sustainability and everything in between,” says Debbie Holton, SME’s Managing Director of Industry and Technology. “We will be harnessing the power of industry leaders to work toward real solutions to industry challenges—the skills gap, global competition, and new technologies like 3D printing, cybersecurity, supply chain and more.
“THE BIG M is about cool technology and research breakthroughs,” she continues. “We want to engage the creative thinkers, problem solvers, technical experts and business people and invite them to be part of the change.”
Register today to attend The ISA Cybersecurity Conference 2014 by visiting www.isa.org/CyberConf2014 or by calling ISA at +1 919-549-8411.
ISA: A global leader in industrial control system and network cybersecurity
ISA is widely recognized as a global leader in the development of industrial automation and control systems (IACS) security standards.
The ISA/IEC 62443 series of industrial automation and control systems (IACS) security standards are designed to prevent and mitigate IACS security vulnerabilities across all key industry sectors and critical infrastructure.
In fact, ISA’s cybersecurity standards are referenced in the national Cybersecurity Framework recently introduced by President Barack Obama. ISA and its sister organization, the Automation Federation, played a key role in the development of the framework.
More about ISA
Founded in 1945, the International Society of Automation (www.isa.org) is a leading, global, nonprofit organization that is setting the standard for automation by helping over 30,000 worldwide members and other professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities. Based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, ISA develops standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; and hosts conferences and exhibitions for automation professionals. ISA is the founding sponsor of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).
