Meeting the Rising Cybersecurity Challenge
In a bid to counter the escalating threat of cyberattacks, industrial automation provider Rockwell Automation Inc. has taken a significant step. The company has announced its acquisition of Verve Industrial Protection, a cybersecurity software specialist focusing on asset inventory and vulnerability management systems.
Adapting to Modernization Challenges
As companies modernize their operations, the integration of new hardware and software into legacy equipment exposes them to increased cybersecurity risks. This challenge has left organizations struggling to safeguard their assets in the face of a growing attack surface.
Tackling Resource Shortages
Simultaneously, the industrial sector is grappling with a shortage of the resources and skilled talent required to effectively implement and manage operational technology (OT) cybersecurity programs.
Verve's Vital Role
The Verve Security Center platform presents a solution to these challenges. It empowers companies with real-time asset tracking, vulnerability management, and risk mitigation. This acquisition bolsters Rockwell's existing capabilities, positioning the company to address these pressing issues.
Importance of Asset Visibility
Matt Fordenwalt, Rockwell's Senior Vice President of Lifecycle Services, underlines the importance of asset visibility in OT cybersecurity. He stresses that one cannot protect what they are unaware of. This remains a significant challenge for manufacturers.
A Holistic Approach to Resilience
With the acquisition of Verve, Rockwell's customers will have the means to swiftly evaluate their assets, assess risk, and take remedial actions against vulnerabilities – all within a unified platform. This move enhances the resiliency of operations, while also improving overall security, safety, and availability.
The Bigger Picture
This announcement follows Rockwell's recent acquisition of Clearpath Robotics, marking a strategic shift towards bolstering its "autonomous production logistics" solutions. The goal is to enhance manufacturing efficiency, emphasizing a commitment to securing the future of industrial operations.
My Take:
Rockwell's acquisition of Verve Industrial Protection is a strategic response to the pressing cybersecurity challenges facing the industrial sector. The expansion of their cybersecurity portfolio through Verve's expertise and the unified Security Center platform is a positive move. In an age where the integration of new technology into legacy systems is inevitable, the ability to assess and protect assets in real time is invaluable. It's also worth noting that Rockwell's proactive stance in securing the future of industrial operations is commendable, as they continue to invest in innovative solutions to ensure the industry's resilience and efficiency.
Rockwell Automation's Excellence in the Field of Industrial Automation
In the field of industrial automation, Rockwell Automation owns several brands and product lines to provide a wide range of automation and control solutions. Here are some of the main brands and product lines under Rockwell Automation:
-
Allen-Bradley: Allen-Bradley is one of Rockwell Automation's primary brands, offering industrial control equipment, controllers, motor control, human-machine interfaces (HMI), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and more.
-
FactoryTalk: FactoryTalk is Rockwell Automation's software brand, providing industrial automation software solutions, including monitoring, data analytics, production management, and information solutions.
-
Stratix: Stratix is Rockwell Automation's network solution brand, offering industrial Ethernet switches, routers, and network security products.
-
GuardLogix: GuardLogix is a product line focused on industrial safety, providing PLCs and controllers for safety control.
-
PowerFlex: PowerFlex is Rockwell Automation's brand for variable frequency drives used in motor control and drive applications.
-
Kinetix: Kinetix provides products for motion control and servo control, including servo motors and controllers.
-
PanelView: PanelView is Rockwell Automation's human-machine interface (HMI) product line for monitoring and operating industrial systems.
-
CompactLogix: CompactLogix is a compact PLC and controller line suitable for small industrial automation systems.
-
Studio 5000: Studio 5000 is Rockwell Automation's integrated development environment for creating and maintaining control system programs.
-
Connected Enterprise: Connected Enterprise is a concept by Rockwell Automation that emphasizes the integration of industrial automation systems with information technology to achieve smarter and more efficient production processes.
These brands and product lines cover various aspects, from hardware devices to software solutions, making Rockwell Automation a comprehensive solution provider in the field of industrial automation. Please note that Rockwell Automation's product and brand portfolio may change over time, so it is advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date information.