The International Society of Automation (ISA) has announced that Maschinenbau Institut GmbH (MBI), a service company of VDMA (Mechanical Engineering Industry Association), are joining forces with ISA to offer a unique, German ISA cybersecurity training program. The first activity will be a ‘Cybersecurity Fundamentals’ training for VDMA members, located on the Fraunhofer site in Karlsruhe, Germany.
Forged in response to the changing industrial security landscape and growing cyberthreats to automation networks and systems, the collaboration focuses specifically on training of the VDMA members in OT automation security standards. Both organisations will share training expertise based on ISA/IEC 62443, the world’s only consensus-based set of industry cybersecurity standards.
“Cybersecurity needs to be addressed by our members, as recent global ransomware attacks have demonstrated their potential impact,” said Managing Director, Catherine John of Maschinenbau-Institut GmbH (MBI), the education academy of VDMA. “Our members need to adequately manage the associated cyber-risk stemming from the vulnerabilities of OT technology, coupled with the increased connectivity in our digital era.”
“ISA is committed to providing quality technical resources that cover all areas of cybersecurity,” said ISA European Director Pieter van der Klooster. “We have covered the entire spectrum of cybersecurity education and advocacy, from the development of the world’s only consensus industrial cybersecurity standard, to critical education, to compliance programs helping companies certify products and systems. We are proud to welcome MBI and look forward to working together to disseminate relevant, up-to-date and interesting training materials to our audience.”
