Securing automated systems is goal of DHS-funded public/private forum.(EPN News Roundup)(Department of Homeland Security)(Brief Article)

Emergency Preparedness News, April, 2005

Securing the computerized systems that control much of the nation's critical infrastructure is the goal behind a DHS-funded collaboration between government and the private sector called the Process Control Systems Forum.

Many power and energy systems, refineries, water treatment facilities, and factories are operated by computer systems called Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition or Process Control Systems. The centralized, automated nature of SCADA and PCS technology has improved industrial safety and efficiency while also making computer networks more vulnerable to cyber attacks.

DHS has sponsored the PCSF to accelerate development of technology that will strengthen the reliability and security of PCS and SCADA systems. The forum is designed...

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