Ensuring cybersecurity for backup power management systems

A new network card for uninterruptable power supply (UPS) units features a range of enhanced capabilities aimed at helping organisations meet cybersecurity challenges. Features of the Gigabit network card include web-based monitoring and alerts, and tools to monitor and control power systems.

Power management company Eaton says its Network-M3 communication card is designed to simplify the management and security of critical infrastructure by providing a flexible cybersecurity solution that can authenticate any attached firmware, preventing a cyberattack from spreading when a threat exists.

Features of the Network-M3 card include:

• Chain-of-trust encryption and secure firmware boot capability, preventing the Gigabit Network Card from being a cyberattack vulnerability point on a network, with firmware updates available at no cost to the user.
• User-configurable firewall that provides an additional layer of security to protect the Gigabit Network Card and the UPS or power distribution unit from unauthorised access and cyberattacks.
• Remote storage of security keys, making the device tamper-resistant even in cases of physical breaches.
• Zero-touch provisioning and auto-configuration commissions devices faster to save time in large-scale deployments.
• Support of 10/100/1000 Mbps for diverse compatibility.
• Certificate manager for easy creation and distribution of digital certificates to multiple devices.

In addition to built-in web-based monitoring capabilities and alerts, the Network-M3 card can integrate with the software in Eaton’s Brightlayer data centers suite, to help streamline operations and prepare for future needs. The link between hardware and software enables a range of automation capabilities and remote management functionality, reducing response times and ensuring timely updates. In addition the card integrates with Eaton’s cloud-based remote monitoring service that aggregates data from its UPSs and dispatches a field technician when critical events occur.