TCG unveils IF-MAP Metadata for ICS Security specification

Trusted Computing Group (TCG) has unveiled IF-MAP Metadata for ICS Security specification, for potentially vulnerable industrial control systems to provide additional layers of security to standard shared network infrastructure.

The new security specification has been designed to protect existing and new infrastructure in energy, public utilities, healthcare and manufacturing.

The TCG ICS Security specification IF-MAP Metadata enables creation of secure virtual layer 2 and/or layer 3 overlay networks on top of standard shared IP network infrastructure by providing deployment, management, and protection of large-scale industrial control systems.

Asguard Networks founder and CTO David Mattes said, "The IF-MAP Metadata for ICS Security specification is a generational leap forward for adding secure connectivity to industrial automation devices."

"Asguard Networks is implementing this specification as part of our SimpleConnect product line to make the full lifecycle management of segmented overlay networks easy and efficient, at both small and large scales."

Based on soon-to-be-published ISA100.15 architectural model for secure ICS communications over untrusted shared networks (TR100.15.1, "Wireless Backhaul"), the TCG specification can retrofit existing industrial control systems and can be installed directly into new ICS products, as an additional interoperable security capability.

The company will introduce the new specification at the Industrial Control Systems Joint Working Group (ICSJWG) 2012 Fall Meeting for Public Standards for Interoperable ICS Security.