The International Society of Automation (ISA) announced the first founding members of its new Global Cybersecurity Alliance (GCA): Schneider Electric, Rockwell Automation, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Claroty and Nozomi Networks.

ISA created the Global Cybersecurity Alliance to advance cyber security readiness and awareness in manufacturing and critical infrastructure facilities and processes. The Alliance brings end-user companies, automation and control systems providers, IT infrastructure providers, services providers, system integrators and other cyber security stakeholder organizations together to proactively address growing threats.

ISA is the developer of the ANSI/ISA 62443 series of automation and control systems cyber security standards, which have been adopted by the International Electrotechnical Commission as IEC 62443 and endorsed by the United Nations. The standards define requirements and procedures for implementing electronically secure automation and industrial control systems and security practices and assessing electronic security performance. The standards approach the cyber security challenge in a holistic way, bridging the gap between operations and information technology.

Leveraging the ISA/IEC 62443 standards, the Global Cybersecurity Alliance will work to increase awareness and expertise, openly share knowledge and information and develop best practice tools to help companies navigate the entire life cycle of cyber security protection. The Alliance will work closely with government agencies, regulatory bodies and stakeholder organizations around the world.

“Accelerating and expanding globally relevant standards, certification and education programs will increase workforce competence, and help end users identify gaps, reduce risks and ensure they have the tools and systems they need to protect their facilities and installations,” said Mary Ramsey, ISA executive director. “Through the proliferation of standards and compliance programs, we will strengthen our global cyber culture and transform the way the industry identifies and manages cyber security threats and vulnerabilities to their operations.”

The first founding members of the Alliance are leading multi-national, industrial-technology providers with deep expertise in technology and applications, and they’ll apply their experience and knowledge to accomplish the Alliance’s priorities.

“Participating in the Alliance truly shows the commitment our founding members have to the safety and security of the industrial ecosystem, as well as the criticality of collectively moving forward together to ensure the standards, best practices and methods are applied,” Ramsey said. “ISA engaged with discussions, initiated by Schneider Electric, to create an ISA-led global, open and industry-wide alliance comprised of all cyber security stakeholder companies. ISA quickly expanded those conversations to include Rockwell Automation, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Claroty and Nozomi Networks. These first founding members have since worked together to help us define the Alliance’s objectives. We are thankful for their collaboration and commitment. Together we welcome companies and organizations from all segments of industry to join our efforts.”

The Alliance is seeking additional members to support its initiatives. End-user companies, asset owners, automation and control systems providers, IT infrastructure providers, services providers, system integrators and other cyber security stakeholder organizations are invited to join. Annual contributions to fund initiatives are based on company revenues and are tax deductible. For more information about the Alliance, visit https://isaautomation.isa.org/cybersecurity-alliance/. Companies interested in joining the Alliance should contact Rick Zabel at rzabel@isa.org.