3e Technologies International (3eTI) announced its new AirGuard iMesh suite of products. The iMesh Gateway, an ISA100 to IEEE 802.11 device and the iMesh Sensor Node, a low-power ISA 100 node, combine to enable wireless process automation with military-grade levels of security – offering a robust solution for wireless networks in industrial environments.
New cyber threats are specifically targeted at damaging and disrupting industrial control systems. “Alerts of possible risks to critical infrastructure operators released by ICS-CERT are up 50 percent from a year ago,” said Earl Perkins, Research Vice President at Gartner. “There is denial in some portions of industries with critical infrastructure regarding the true threat. Ironically, many of these threats can be counteracted effectively with changes to key security processes and organization, and in areas such as independent validity testing for control systems security, among others.”
iMesh is the first independently validated, low-power, ISA100-compliant solution for industrial sensor networking whose security has been approved and deployed by the U.S. military. The iMesh solution extends beyond the basic security capabilities of ISASecure enabling comprehensive encryption and authentication technology to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability of sensor and network data. Its devices form a cyber-secure bridge linking sensors with ISA100, Wi-Fi and Ethernet networks to provide the utmost in robustness and security.
“Wireless technology employs numerous benefits to mining, power, oil, gas, chemical, and nuclear consumers that allow for reliable and affordable sensor monitoring where conventional technology has reached its limits,” explains Benga Erinle, President of 3eTI. “The iMesh launch continues 3eTI’s expansion into the industrial automation market by combining the benefits of a robust wireless solution with military-grade security to reduce costs of overhead and deployments, while maintaining overall fail-safe security at these facilities due to the increasing sophistication of cyber threats.”
3eTI will also offer iMesh encryption software and modular components for OEM applications, making it easy for manufacturers to embed certified security into existing or new products. For government applications requiring certified wireless capabilities, vendors can now implement ISA100 wireless mesh technology on their sensor systems. This presents a tremendous opportunity for partners to integrate 3eTI’s core technology.
The AirGuard iMesh suite of products is scheduled to be in full production in February 2013; evaluation models are available now.
