What the recent Internet Explorer security risk means to industrial Ethernet networks
MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - In the wake of high-profile cyber attacks against Google and other leading companies, Phoenix Contact is reminding industrial Ethernet users that choosing Ethernet products compatible with all major Web browsers-not just Internet Explorer-is an important step in designing a secure industrial network.
Many experts, including government officials in Germany and France, have warned computer users against using Internet Explorer. While the publicity surrounding these events might accelerate recent trends of user migration from Internet Explorer to other browsers, it could also have some unintended surprises for Industrial Ethernet networks in factory floor applications.
For plant engineers, the Web browser is an important window to the Web-based management capability of industrial Ethernet infrastructure devices, such as managed switches and routers. A company or engineer that moves away from using Internet Explorer may quickly discover that a number of their industrial Ethernet devices were not designed for use with other browsers.
For users of Phoenix Contact industrial Ethernet products, browser compatibility is not a concern.
"Obviously, recommended practices to ensure security and performance in an industrial Ethernet network go beyond browser selection," said Greg Dixson, Automation Product Marketing Manager. "Industrial firewalls, VPN tunneling, redundancy and multicast filtering all play very important roles to protect both users and the network. However, since these features are typically configured on Web servers within the devices, it is critical that the devices themselves are designed for use with a wide range of Web browsers. Phoenix Contact's industrial Ethernet products are designed and optimized for use with all of the most popular browsers, including Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome."
Phoenix Contact offers a broad range of industrial Ethernet products, including managed and unmanaged switches, I/O, Power over Ethernet, software and wireless.
About Phoenix Contact
Phoenix Contact is a leading developer of industrial electrical and electronic technology. The company's diverse product range includes components and system solutions for industrial and device connection, automation, electronic interface and surge protection. Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG, Blomberg, Germany, operates 46 international subsidiaries, including Phoenix Contact USA in Middletown, Pa. Phoenix Contact's formal Integrated Management System is registered to ISO quality, environmental and safety standards (ISO 9001:2008,14001:2004 and 18001:2007).
For more information about Phoenix Contact or its products, visit www.phoenixcontact.com, or call technical service at 800-322-3225, e-mail info@phoenixcon.com
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Media Contact
Molly McGowan
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Email: mmcgowan@phoenixcon.com