New Encryptors Provide Low-cost Solution For Adding Security To Serial Dnp3/modbus Scada

Aug. 10, 2010 - PRLog -- TUSTIN, CA – SEQUI today announced the EncryptorPak™ Series, new encryptors designed to protect existing SCADA systems that use DNP3 and Modbus serial protocols, common to water, electric, oil and natural gas industries. With this release, SEQUI has solved a growing problem for industrial and utility managers – retrofitting security into mission critical environments. The security offered by the devices is fast and easy for administrators to deploy and non-disruptive to legacy equipment and operations. The devices install in multi-drop or multipoint networks, securing serial data through tunnels. As many as 200 secure tunnels can operate between master and field stations; each tunnel has its own encryption key and protects one RTU or group for enhanced scalability.

“The need to secure SCADA systems is growing. The EncryptorPak Series is designed to meet that need,” said Dr. Tracy Amaio, vice president of SEQUI. “These products turn security deployment into a drop-in, seamless task.” Because most RTUs are unprotected, they are vulnerable to data manipulation by attackers, a situation that could lead to cascading failures of service, financial losses, and concerns for public health and safety. The EncryptorPak Series uses hardware-based AES, the Advanced Encryption Standard, and authentication to protect against unwanted intrusions and attacks. Its cipher operations are fully compatible with the cryptographic protocol for serial links per standard IEEE P1711.

To ease the migration effort, a wealth of standard features is software selectable via a standard Ethernet Web interface. These versatile features include DNP3 and Modbus RTU/ASCII protocols, a mixed mode of clear and encrypted serial data streams, speeds from 300 bps to 115.2 Kbps, and RS-232/422/485 (3-in-1) port interfaces. The Web interface also provides three levels of security role-based access that supports up to 15 users.

The series currently includes two models: EncryptorPak L secures multi-drop links over dial-up, leased lines, or radio modems, while EncryptorPak Z secures multipoint links wirelessly with a built-in 2.4 GHz ZigBee® for smart grid applications. The slim (1-inch wide) devices are housed in steel and can be DIN rail-mounted. EncryptorPak L lists for $595 USD, and EncryptorPak Z is $645 USD. Volume discounts are available.

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SEQUI is a privately owned company that specializes in developing SCADA security products. SEQUI's flagship, the EncryptorPak Series, provide a low-cost solution for adding encryption to serial DNP3/MODBUS SCADA. For more information, visit www.sequi.com.