Bosch Rexroth demonstrates end-to-end automation security for networked environments

The Industrial Internet of Things is placing new demands on the security of automation solutions

• Secure connection of control technology, IT and IoT
• Consistent security implementation at all levels
• ctrlX AUTOMATION features built-in holistic security concept from the ground up

Industry networking and the associated Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) are redefining security requirements – and thus also the demands on the automation solutions used. As security features often have to be individually integrated at a later date into existing products to make them secure in the networked world, an end-to-end security concept is usually not possible. With the ctrlX AUTOMATION platform, Bosch Rexroth has “reinvented” security from the ground up, and thus been able to integrate a holistic security concept from the very beginning of the design process.

The control platform ctrlX CORE provides an all-in-one-network appliance and ensure maximum security

“It is of pivotal importance for users – especially in the area of Industry 4.0 – that all solutions used for automation and networking have the requisite security mechanisms. These security requirements have defined the design approach to ctrlX AUTOMATION. In this automation platform, we combine control technology, IT and IoT to create an overarching secure system. Security is consistently implemented at all levels”, explains Thomas Maag, Head of Product Management in the Automation & Electrification Solutions Business Unit at Bosch Rexroth.

The ctrlX AUTOMATION hardware and software products are inherently “Secure by Design”. This means that the security requirements were already taken into account during the development phase. The automation platform, which is certified according to IEC 62443, is based on the Linux Ubuntu Core operating system.

With its ctrlX CORE control system, Bosch Rexroth offers an integrated all-in-one network appliance. This ensures maximum security and availability of routers, IoT gateways, firewalls and VPN. The connected IoT software works according to fully integrated IEC 62443 cyber security standards for access control and remote maintenance. The control system furthermore offers diverse security features such as Secure Boot, TPM 2.0-Chip, Secure Production Mode and much more.

In addition to this, ctrlX CORE is also a “Secure by Default” solution, and thus ensures security and flexibility when integrating data into existing IT manufacturing systems. The user can securely deploy the device from the very first minute and connect it safely to other systems and the IoT without any configuration being required.

Bridging the gap between universal openness and security requirements

The system can be expanded with customer-specific apps and is ready for new standards such as 5G and OPC UA over TSN. To allow additional use cases, a VPN extension or firewall can be integrated per app.

“ctrlX AUTOMATION is a completely open system. The ecosystem offers not only our own solutions but also third-party apps for a variety of automation tasks. This openness does not, however, preclude security. We sign each of the partner apps offered. This rules out the possibility of third-party software introducing malicious code”, explains Thomas Maag.

The integrated apps are also tamper-proof and protected against unwanted attacks. ctrlX AUTOMATION thus offers a high level of security both for its own products and for all components within the ecosystem.

As one of the world’s leading suppliers of drive and control technologies, Bosch Rexroth ensures efficient, powerful and safe movement in machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile Applications, Machinery Applications and Engineering, and Factory Automation. With its intelligent components, customized system solutions and services, Bosch Rexroth is creating the necessary environment for fully connected applications. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drive and control technology, gear technology and linear motion and assembly technology, including software and interfaces to the Internet of Things. With locations in over 80 countries more than 29,600 associates generated sales revenue of around 5.2 billion euros in 2020.
To learn more, please visit www.boschrexroth.com

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 395,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2020). The company generated sales of 71.5 billion euros in 2020. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. As a leading IoT provider, Bosch offers innovative solutions for smart homes, Industry 4.0, and connected mobility. Bosch is pursuing a vision of mobility that is sustainable, safe, and exciting. It uses its expertise in sensor technology, software, and services, as well as its own IoT cloud, to offer its customers connected, cross-domain solutions from a single source. The Bosch Group’s strategic objective is to facilitate connected living with products and solutions that either contain artificial intelligence (AI) or have been developed or manufactured with its help. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is “Invented for life.” The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiary and regional companies in some 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. With its more than 400 locations worldwide, the Bosch Group has been carbon neutral since the first quarter of 2020. The basis for the company’s future growth is its innovative strength. At 129 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 73,000 associates in research and development, of which nearly 34,000 are software engineers.
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