ensure no one has altered message content.”

Authenticating the devices to make sure they are authorized to send and receive data makes it very difficult for outsiders to tap into the wireless data stream. “Using a strong pre-shared key (PSK) or leveraging some type of certificate-based authentication will ensure the network’s security,” Sharp says.

Together, these techniques provide protection levels that some say are higher than those offered by wired networks. “There’s a perception that there’s a lack of security, but if it’s done correctly, it’s harder to break into,” says Heilman, of Invensys Operations Management. “Current encryption techniques and the ability to protect access by looking at IP addresses can make wireless more secure.”

That said, most engineers feel that it’s wise to continuously monitor any network to ensure that security hasn’t been breached. One negative of the shift to Ethernet and TCP/IP is the openness that makes industrial systems more attractive to hackers.

“Ongoing Wireless LAN (local area network) monitoring will insure that the wireless network continues to work as expected and will help point out malfunctions, rogue access points, and other interference sources,” says Daryl Miller, vice president of engineering at Lantronix Inc., an Irvine, Calif.-based automation products supplier.

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