U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announces the availability of two new documents in PDF form relating to control systems security. One targets security requirements and the other discusses wireless networks.

The DHS Control Systems Security Program (CSSP), fosters a cohesive effort between industry and government to reduce the risk to critical infrastructure controls systems. The Catalog of Control Systems Security Requirements (draft) is accessible is a collection of requirements and practices intended to facilitate the development and implementation of control system cyber security standards.

The second document, Recommended Practices Guide Securing ZigBee Wireless Networks in Process Control System Environments (draft) addresses design principles and best practices in the secure implementation and operation of ZigBee wireless networks in industrial environments. An overview of standards upon which ZigBee is based is provided, along with a description of ZigBee security architecture and low-rate wireless personal area networks. The report states: “Factors such as EMI/RFI and multi-path fading in industrial environments can be specific issues to consider. The choice of ZigBee network topology, the use of guaranteed time slotting, and the application of security measures presented in this paper are some options to consider when addressing these issues.”

www.dhs.gov