Enhanced Cybersecurity for Data Centers: Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT NMC3 Certification
In an era where cyber threats loom larger than ever, the need for robust cybersecurity measures in data centers has become paramount. Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has taken a significant step forward in this domain. The company recently announced that its EcoStruxure IT Network Management Card 3 (NMC3) platform has achieved a new and higher level of cybersecurity certification. This milestone makes the NMC3 the first Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) network card to receive the IEC 62443-4-2 Security Level 2 (SL2) designation from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
A New Standard in Cybersecurity
The IEC 62443-4-2 SL2 certification represents a rigorous set of security requirements that products must meet to ensure their resilience against cyber threats. TÜV Rheinland, a leading global testing provider, independently certified the NMC3 platform, validating that Schneider Electric’s products designed for data center and distributed IT environments adhere to these stringent standards. This certification not only underscores Schneider Electric’s commitment to secure operations but also enhances protection against an increasingly sophisticated landscape of cyber threats.
The SL2 certification offers more stringent requirements than the previous SL1 designation, which Schneider Electric obtained last year. This progression reflects the company’s dedication to continuously improving its cybersecurity measures and providing customers with the highest level of protection.
Commitment to Secure Development
In addition to the SL2 certification, Schneider Electric has also achieved ISASecure Secure Development Lifecycle Assurance (SDLA) compliance for its cybersecurity processes. This certification ensures that the development lifecycle of Schneider Electric’s products, including the NMC3, follows best practices in cybersecurity, further solidifying the company’s position as a leader in secure data center solutions.
Kevin Brown, Senior Vice President for EcoStruxure IT, Data Center Business at Schneider Electric, emphasized the importance of these certifications. "According to the 2024 Allianz Risk Barometer, cyber incidents are ranked as the number one business concern. At an average reported cost of more than $4 million per incident, we understand why cybersecurity tops the priority list for CIOs," he stated. The dual certification of IEC 62443-4-2 SL2 and ISASecure SDLA positions Schneider Electric at the forefront of the industry, helping to mitigate risks to critical infrastructure.
Simplifying Firmware Management
One of the significant challenges companies face in maintaining cybersecurity is keeping firmware up to date. Many enterprise customers rely on in-house management tools, third-party network management systems, or building management systems that often lack awareness of when firmware updates are necessary. This gap can leave critical infrastructure vulnerable to cyber threats.
To address this issue, Schneider Electric has introduced the EcoStruxure IT Secure NMC System, which features an innovative tool designed to streamline firmware management. The Secure NMC System Tool simplifies the often cumbersome process of researching and installing the latest firmware across all devices. With this tool, users can expect to see the firmware update process become up to 90% faster.
Instead of manually searching for firmware updates, checking for the latest versions, and reading release notes, the Secure NMC System Tool proactively notifies customers when new firmware is available and guides them through the installation process. This automation not only saves time but also significantly reduces the risk of outdated firmware, which can be a critical vulnerability.
Key Benefits of the Secure NMC System
The introduction of the Secure NMC System brings several key benefits to customers:
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Elimination of Outdated Systems: By simplifying firmware management, the tool ensures that devices are always up to date, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities associated with outdated firmware.
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Consistent Compliance: The Secure NMC System provides a systematic and standardized approach to cybersecurity updates, helping customers maintain compliance with industry standards.
- Reduced Exposure to Cyber Attacks: The combination of IEC 62443-4-2 SL2 and ISASecure SDLA certifications, along with the Secure NMC System Tool, ensures that connected devices are protected with the latest security updates, minimizing the potential for cyber attacks.
A Flexible Approach to IT Infrastructure Management
Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT solutions empower customers to manage their IT infrastructure flexibly and efficiently while ensuring cybersecurity compliance. As Kevin Brown noted, "EcoStruxure IT is providing customers with a powerful approach – the flexibility to manage their IT infrastructure as they choose and to do it simply while also managing their cybersecurity compliance because being secure doesn’t mean it has to be difficult."
This commitment to innovation and security positions Schneider Electric as a leader in the industry, enabling organizations to build resilient, secure, and sustainable IT infrastructures.
In conclusion, Schneider Electric’s achievement of the IEC 62443-4-2 SL2 certification for its EcoStruxure IT NMC3 platform marks a significant advancement in cybersecurity for data centers. With enhanced protection against cyber threats and streamlined firmware management, Schneider Electric continues to set the standard for secure operations in the digital age. As the landscape of cyber threats evolves, companies can trust Schneider Electric to provide the tools and certifications necessary to safeguard their critical infrastructure.