Be Safe in Cyberspace

By Katherine Bonfante, Managing Editor, Digital Media

Lately I've been obsessed with protecting my computer and information online. You never know when you might be the target of a cyber attack, and trust me, hackers are out there.

Inspired by the many credit-card TV commercials that portray hackers traveling through cyberspace and the home PC  just to get to your personal information, I've been increasing my security levels on my email accounts and social networks.

An innocent-looking email from an unknown sender or an otherwise friendly website you've come upon can put you a click away from having your identity stolen.

So this month, I want to focus on some online resources that ControlDeisgn.com has made available to better prepare you when you're fighting off cyber thieves or cyber viruses that can corrupt your computer files.

In June, technical editor Dan Hebert focused his column on cyber attacks. Hebert's article, "PC Access Could Invite Hackers," [Jun09, p19] talked about how hackers have a difficult time getting into your PLC or PAC, but they can easily get into your computer systems through the Internet. The article offers various solutions you can implement to protect your systems.

This white paper explores the experiences of a major power company in managing its way through a true paradigm shift and further narrowing the focus to the impact of these changes on substation networks, data management, technology risk management and cybersecurity.

Another resource I want to touch on is GE Energy's online security suite. GE Energy has integrated a global OEM agreement with Industrial Defender, a provider of cyber risk protection for critical infrastructure industries. The terms of the agreement allow GE to offer its customers Industrial Defender's technology suite.

The offering is a cybersecurity technology integrated with smart-grid automation technologies such as energy management systems, distribution management systems and substation automation solutions. You can learn more about GE Energy's security suite at www.ControlDesign.com/industrialdefender.

If you wind up becoming the target of a cyber attack, don't worry. Here at ControlDesign.com, we can help you to obtain the right tools you need to fight off cyber trespassers.

Visit our website to get these and other resources. You also can email me and tell me if you have been the target of online hackers. Tell me what safety steps you've implemented to protect yourself, your plant and your systems.