In a previous blog post we covered what ransomware is and how it’s being used to target industrial users like water and wastewater SCADA systems.
Ransomware is basically when a hacker obtains control of your data, or even your control network and automation systems, and won’t relinquish control back to you until a ransom is paid.
It's a major potential threat against IIoT applications.
When most people think about cyber security, they probably conjure up thoughts of someone locked away in a dark room, wearing the same grey hoodie for months. Staring at a screen for days at a time looking for just the right network packet to tell them where and how to attack. But that's not always how hacking is done.
Topics: Process control, PACs, Networking, Security
Most people relate the term blockchain to an Internet currency or peer-to-peer payment system called Bitcoin.
But there’s way more value to blockchain technology than just a payment system.
And it just might help us solve a lot of problems related to industrial cyber security, particularly in Industrial Internet of Things applications.
Topics: Internet of Things, IoT, PACs, Security, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things
What could cognitive computing do for you?
Cognitive computing involves analyzing huge quantities of data and spotting correlations and patterns that are valuable—similar to what a human brain can do. But computers can analyze lots more data, much faster.
Topics: Process control, Internet of Things, IoT, optonews, Integrators, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, Data acquisition, OptoNews 2017-03-15
The next industrial revolution, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), is happening now.
In March 2016, a Gartner survey reported that 43% of organizations were already using or planned to implement IIoT applications during the year.
But it's not necessarily easy. There are still challenges to be met and a lot of decisions to be made as you move ahead.
Topics: Internet of Things, IoT, optonews, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things, OptoNews 2017-03-15
We've just released PAC Project R9.6002, and you can get the updates here:
PAC Project Basic is free automation software for control programming and HMI, and is used with our SNAP PAC controllers.
Topics: Updates, optonews, PAC Project, PAC Control, OptoNews 2017-03-15
When you're working on your network, what's in your toolkit?
For automation networks or IT computer networks, a few essential cables and adapters should be in your kit.
That way you've got them handy, whether you're troubleshooting network problems or just keeping your equipment and line up and running.
Topics: Tips, optonews, Integrators, Networking, OptoNews 2017-03-15
Sure, the industrial Internet of Things sounds cool. Real cool, in fact. But how do you do it and where do you get started?
For a self-proclaimed technology geek like myself, the industrial Internet of things (IIoT) is a pretty exciting topic. I wasn’t exactly born digital (individuals who have grown up with the current state of ubiquitous computing and communications).
Topics: IoT, PACs, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things
There’s a lot of talk these days about artificial intelligence, the cloud, and cognitive computing.
But what the heck do those things have to do with industrial automation, and why should automation professionals be getting up to speed on these technologies?
Topics: Discrete control, Internet of Things, IoT, Machine builder, PACs, I/O, REST API, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things
Who doesn't love a good Internet standard? I remember when I first got started in the technology world, reading RFCs was a great way to put myself to sleep at night.
But during the day, they did help considerably when trying to solve tech problems with hardware or software that wasn’t quite conforming to a defined technical specification. And that’s a problem we’re seeing with the Industrial Internet of Things today.
Topics: Internet of Things, IoT, IIoT, Industrial Internet of Things