Publication 01/04/2019 -
Secure cross-company communication with OPC UA
Introduction
PUBLICATION OF THE PLATFORM - The Working Group on Security of Networked Systems provides a discussion paper to operators and service providers. It contains concrete information on functions and measures that are necessary for the use of OPC UA for communication in Industry 4.0 scenarios. Further, it describes best practices. The paper also shows to what extent more extensive requirements become necessary with the implementation of the security measures. It explains how the OPC UA standard as well as existing toolkits and products can be extended.
With its innovative concepts and procedures, Industrie 4.0 creates completely new possibilities for cooperation - especially on a technical level. People, machines and products always interact, exchange data and information and correspond at all times. But this only works if technical communication mechanisms ensure that Industry 4.0 components can communicate securely and interoperably. This enables trust across corporate boundaries. This discussion paper highlights the requirements for the secure use of OPC UA for communication in Industry 4.0 scenarios. It presents implementation options and identifies discussion points. Operators and service providers will find concrete indications of necessary functions and measures.