Ann de Beer (left) thanks Mark Dilchert after the presentation.
This question was posed by Mark Dilchert of Integr8. With cloud-based storage and communication, a company’s data goes in one end, (usually) comes out the other, without anyone really knowing whether it has been hacked in the process. This leaves companies vulnerable to industrial espionage and other nefarious uses of its data. This becomes even more open to misuse when radio links are used, as anyone who knows what they are doing can then listen in, even if it is via 4G or 5G networks.
So, what does one do?
The answer lies in encryption. While data generally goes through 128-bit encryption, this has become vulnerable to determined hackers. The better the encryption, the safer the data – so, if 128-bit encryption is becoming vulnerable, how does 2K or even 4K-bit encryption sound? Together with private keys at each end, the claim is that, using the correct router (in this case the Tosibox sold by Rubicon), a totally secure router-to-router link is created through the Internet, for a one-off cost, within minutes i.e. no monthly fees.
This is particularly useful in IoT applications, where one plant needs to communicate with another, going perhaps from one PLC to another. A direct point-to-point link is established, with perhaps the biggest chore being to make sure there are no IP address conflicts.
With security a growing concern in industrial applications, solutions like this can add peace of mind.
Durban branch
SAIMC
At the Durban branch of the SAIMC held in October, Mitch Naidoo took the attendees on an interesting journey on Asset Health Management: Tracking The Pulse Of Your Plant.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the Durban branch of the SAIMC held in October, Mitch Naidoo took the attendees on an interesting journey on Asset Health Management: Tracking The Pulse Of Your Plant.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch technical evening was hosted by Proconics Advanced Solutions. The topic of the session was ‘Turning Big 3D Data into Actionable Engineering Insights – Challenges and Smart Solutions’.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council Annual Summit 2025 SAIMC
SAIMC
October 2025 marked a pivotal moment for the South African automation and manufacturing community as the SAIMC User Advisory Council hosted its first annual summit under the SAIMC banner.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a successful Technology Evening on 10 September. The event was well attended and generously sponsored by Phoenix Contact.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At SAIMC Durban’s October Technology Evening, Nico Erasmus delivered a thought-provoking presentation on a topic close to every automation professional’s heart: PLC and Drive Manufacturer Generational Hardware - UpGrades, UpGates or UpRates?
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a successful Technology Evening on 10 September. The event was well attended and generously sponsored by Phoenix Contact.
Read more...Why ECSA matters SAIMC
SAIMC
I always knew I had to register as a Professional Engineer. Then I opened the registration guidelines.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version