Digital transformation and process safety don’t have to be mutually exclusive argues Sophie Silk.

Although a lot is being said about the pro’s and con’s of Operational Technology/Information Technology (OT/IT) convergence, there is often little appreciation of what companies at different stages in their evolution may need to do, argues Edward Kessler.

Paul Taylor explains how IEC-62443 can hold the answer to enhancing cyber resilience in smart factories. 

What can engineers do to protect their processes and plants from cyberattack? Suzanne Gill asked for suggestions from a variety of industry specialists.

As the worlds of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) continue to merge the demand for security measures to protect OT networks is growing. David Bean looks at some fundamental aspects that need to be considered.

Lee Ray looks at the standards that need to be adhered to in relation to environments which pose a risk of fire or explosion.

Dr Martin Kidman discusses the issues relating to machine safety in an era of greater machine connectivity.

Emilie Lerche Fenger and Marco Zampolli explain the importance of a cybersecurity strategy in digital plants.

The constant cyber threat is now a fact of life and everyone needs to have an understanding of data protection, argues Rainer Brehm, CEO of Factory Automation at Siemens Digital Industries.

Massimiliano Latini explains why system integrators need to ensure that their automation systems are IEC 62443-compliant to adhere to international cybersecurity requirements.

Joe Lomako offers advice on the preventative measures that can be taken to secure processes against cyber attacks.

Alexandre Peixoto and Rick Gorskie discuss some simple strategies to achieve the most value from cyber risk assessments.

Because component suppliers are playing an increasingly important role in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) networks, it is useful to understand the security requirements they must meet when designing devices for deployment on them. Susan Lan reports.

Phil Burge discusses the importance of using the right lubrication in the right application, and looks at technological advancements designed to reduce bearing wear and corrosion.

Lee Ray highlights the importance of regular inspection and testing of electro-sensitive protective equipment.

To drive operational efficiencies, improve performance or to gain a competitive edge, digital transformation is being adopted in almost in every operational technology (OT) environment. This means that, to safely connect plants and sites –irrespective of whether it an on-premise or off-premise solution – cybersecurity is not optional, says Arun Veeramani.

David Emm, principal security researcher at Kaspersky answers questions about industrial cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

Alvis Chen shares some best practice advice to help enhance industrial network security.

In recent years, large-scale professional cyberattacks and chip hardware vulnerabilities affecting industrial plants around the globe have clearly shown the need for the process industry to take segregation and cybersecurity more seriously says Rehan Ahmad and Shafeekh Rahiman.

The goal of enterprise mobility solutions is to network people, plants and systems, using data as efficiently as possible. The use of intrinsically safe smart devices can help improve productivity and the safety of employees, says Dietmaer Deppisch.