PTC Enhances Industrial Control System Security with New Release of Kepware Industrial Connectivity Platform
Customers with a valid license can access critical security enhancements with free upgrade to KEPServerEX version 6.5 for a limited time
To strengthen cybersecurity collaboration with its customers, PTC is introducing a Shared Responsibility Model in conjunction with KEPServerEX version 6.5. This model defines a framework for PTC and its customers to work together to increase the security of deployments.
"In todays security landscape, the pressure is on all industrial organizations to secure their operations networks. Recent breaches emphasize the growing need for constantly evolving defense-in-depth strategies, tactics and tools," said Kathleen Mitford, Executive Vice President, Products, PTC. "By establishing a Shared Responsibility Model, we can work directly with our customers to address security issues experienced by industrial organizations of all sizes. We remain committed to adding new security features to our products and maintaining up-to-date components to help customers reduce exposure to vulnerabilities and cyber-attacks."
To encourage adoption of security best practices, KEPServerEX version 6.5 features a new comprehensive Secure Deployment Guide intended to help users implement production instances of KEPServerEX in a way that can help to reduce security risks. The guide provides strategic recommendations on utilizing secure interfaces and the Configuration API, on-going server maintenance, KEPServerEX installation and post-installation actions and more.
Additional security resources and enhancements within KEPServerEX version 6.5 include:
- Project File Protection: Enables users to encrypt .opf project files when they are being transferred to other users or other instances of KEPServerEX. This capability uses modern encryption to make it more difficult for attackers to use brute force methods.
- Administrator Password in Install: Allows users to set an administrator password during the KEPServerEX install to strengthen security of application-level settings—even before configuration.
- Back-end Security Updates: Updated encryption algorithms help combat modern encryption-breaking technology and strengthen the on-going security of the application.
"PTC operates and innovates in the new security threat environment, and we fully understand the challenges our customers face when trying to improve security and uptime in their facilities," said Jeff Bates, Product Manager, PTC. "With KEPServerEX version 6.5, we are showing our commitment to helping our customers deploy KEPServerEX into production in a way that reduces security risks."
PTC recognizes how difficult it is to upgrade ICS systems and components, especially for users with validated systems. To make upgrading KEPServerEX easier for customers, PTC is offering a free version 6.5 upgrade to all users with a valid Version 5 or Version 6 license for a limited time, including licenses without an active support agreement. PTC is also offering support and maintenance at a discounted rate to enable customers to continue safeguarding their operations as more security features are added to KEPServerEX.
As part of its commitment to ensuring continuous product enhancements, KEPServerEX version 6.5 also includes updates to 32 other server components, drivers and advanced plug-ins. Users will benefit from enhancements made to the Torque Tool Ethernet driver, TIA Portal Exporter Utility, MQTT Client driver and server performance, as well as new store and forward capabilities for the ThingWorx® Native Interface.
Additional Resources
Contact a Kepware representative at +1 888-KEPWARE (537-9273) x208 or sales@kepware.com
About Kepware
@Kepware is a software development business of PTC Inc. located in Portland, Maine. Kepware provides a portfolio of software solutions to help businesses connect diverse automation devices and software applications and enable the Industrial Internet of Things. From plant floor to wellsite to windfarm, Kepware serves a wide range of customers in a variety of vertical markets including Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Building Automation, Power & Utilities, and more. Established in 1995 and now distributed in more than 100 countries, Kepware's software solutions help thousands of businesses improve operations and decision making. Learn more at https://www.kepware.com/.
About PTC (NASDAQ: PTC)
PTC helps companies around the world reinvent the way they design, manufacture, operate, and service products in and for a smart, connected world. In 1986 we revolutionized digital 3D design, and in 1998 were first to market with Internet-based product lifecycle management. Today, our leading industrial innovation platform and field-proven solutions enable you to unlock value at the convergence of the physical and digital worlds. With PTC, manufacturers and an ecosystem of partners and developers can capitalize on the promise of the Internet of Things and augmented reality technology today and drive the future of innovation.
PTC, Kepware, KEPServerEX, ThingWorx and the PTC and Kepware logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of PTC Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
Media contacts
PTC
Corporate Communications
Jack McAvoy
781-370-6143
jmcavoy@ptc.com
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