Nozomi Networks and Other IEC TC57 WG15 Members Meet in Switzerland to Set 2017 Priorities for Power System Cyber Security Standards

MENDRISIO, Switzerland, January 17, 2017 – Nozomi Networks, the pioneer in cyber security and operational visibility for industrial control systems (ICS) and other Members of the International Electrotechnical Commission Technical Committee 57 Working Group 15 (IEC TC 57 WG15) met today in Lugano, Switzerland, for the first of three WG15 meetings in 2017. The working group is responsible for developing end-to-end cyber security standards for power system communications protocols.

“It’s an honor to host the first WG15 meeting of 2017,” said Nozomi Networks Co-Founder and CTO Moreno Carullo. “As a member of IEC’s WG15, Nozomi Networks is part of an elite group of industry professionals responsible for establishing global standards to strengthen cyber security for the world’s energy operators. We’ve made significant progress in the last 18 months and expect 2017 to be a breakthrough year as we clear the way for effective end-to-end security for power systems.”

WG15 is comprised of ICS operators, SCADA engineers, security and networking experts representing 90 organizations worldwide including ABB, Siemens, Schneider Electric, General Electric, Enel, IREQ and others. In 2017 WG15 is continuing to focus on developing secure-by-design industrial systems, with end-to-end encrypted communications as a foundation of the system.

“To enable reliable operation of these new architectures, network monitoring and deep packet inspection of encrypted communications will be important keystones to standardize – and Nozomi Networks’ R&D is on top of that,” Carullo said.

The working group was formed in 2000 to develop cyber security standards for power system communications, with a specific focus on 1) developing standards for security and the communication protocols defined by the IEC TC 57, 2) developing standards and technical reports on end-to-end security issues and 3) reviewing and advising on cyber security for TC57 standards that are under development. Nozomi Networks has been a member of WG15 since 2015.

About IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)

Founded in 1906, the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is the world’s leading organization for the preparation and publication of International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. IEC provides a platform to companies, industries and governments for meeting, discussing and developing the International Standards they require. All IEC International Standards are fully consensus-based and represent the needs of key stakeholders of every nation participating in IEC work. The IEC is one of three global sister organizations (IEC, ISO, ITU) that develop International Standards for the world.
Learn more at www.iec.ch

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