Intelligent power management company Eaton announced a cybersecurity collaboration with a pioneer in identity security CyberArk to enhance the protection of utility transmission and distribution devices and networks.
The collaboration leverages Eaton’s grid automation expertise and approach to cybersecurity with CyberArk’s Identity Security solutions to help utilities simplify a critical element of cybersecurity compliance for modern grid automation systems.
Intelligent electronic devices
“Today’s utility infrastructure is more connected than ever before, which provides unprecedented grid flexibility and stability alongside significant cybersecurity risk,” said Eric Lebeau, Product Line Manager for Eaton. “By working with CyberArk, we are uniquely able to help utilities unify cybersecurity monitoring and management of both OT and IT devices – regardless of manufacturer – to secure the grid and streamline industry compliance.”
The CyberArk integration within Eaton’s IMS software also allows utilities to retrieve credentials easily
The ongoing decentralization and digitalization of power makes it essential for utilities to safeguard connected devices and data against the rising threat of cyberattack. By integrating CyberArk’s capabilities into its IED Manager Suite (IMS), Eaton is enabling utilities to automate the complex task of manually verifying, managing, and rotating network access passwords for intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) used in grid automation systems. The CyberArk integration within Eaton’s IMS software also allows utilities to retrieve credentials easily and securely for scans and firmware updates.
Managing configuration settings
“Critical infrastructure continues to be vulnerable to cyber attackers seeking to disrupt operations or cause harm,” said Clarence Hinton, Chief Strategy Officer and head of corporate development, CyberArk. “We believe this integration with Eaton will provide joint customers with greater control and protection of those credentials used to access sensitive systems, especially those credentials that have privileged access. We look forward to continuing to expand our collaboration and work together with Eaton to help drive down risk and exposure to cybersecurity threats.”
Eaton's IMS software helps utilities manage configuration settings, passwords and firmware for IEDs from a wide range of manufacturers used in grid automation systems. It reduces maintenance costs through secure remote access and helps comply with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) critical infrastructure protection (CIP) requirements.
Privileged access management
CyberArk provides the most comprehensive security offering for any identity – human or machine
Centered on privileged access management, CyberArk provides the most comprehensive security offering for any identity – human or machine – across business applications, distributed workforces, hybrid cloud workloads, and throughout the DevOps lifecycle. Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere.
They are guided by the commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably, and to help the customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, they’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and doing what’s best for their stakeholders and all of society.
Founded in 1911, Eaton has been listed on the NYSE for nearly a century. They reported revenues of $19.6 billion in 2021 and serve customers in more than 170 countries.
