Fortinet- Experts & Thought Leaders

Wibu-Systems, a global pioneer in software protection, licencing, and security for intelligent devices, is set to host exclusive guided tours at SPS 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany, from 12-14 November 2024. This industry-defining event brings together innovators in automation, and Wibu-Systems will showcase how its flagship technology, CodeMeter, is being used by top companies like B&R, CODESYS, KEBA, Kistler, and TTTech Industrial to protect their intellectual property and enable secure software licencing. Trends in intelligent manufacturing SPS is one of the largest international trade fairs for industrial automation SPS (Smart Production Solutions) is one of the largest international trade fairs for industrial automation, gathering key players from around the globe to explore the latest trends in intelligent manufacturing, IIoT, and automation technologies. The guided tours, which will begin at Wibu-Systems’ booth (Hall 6, Booth 428), offer attendees an opportunity to engage directly with these companies, learn how they leverage CodeMeter to secure their software, and understand the flexible licencing models that streamline their operations. The daily schedule comprises three meetups: Tuesday, 12 November from 3:00 to 4:30 PM, Wednesday, 13 November from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, and Thursday, 14 November from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Urgent need for security and licencing in industrial automation Recent data underscores the importance of solutions like Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter. A 2023 study by Cybersecurity Ventures projects that cybercrime will cost the world over $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, with industrial systems being a prime target due to the increasing connectivity and reliance on IIoT. Another report by Fortinet found that 93% of organisations experienced at least one significant cybersecurity breach in the past 12 months, emphasizing the need for robust protection in industrial sectors. Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter CodeMeter not only safeguards the digital know-how of firms but also offers flexible licencing options This makes Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter indispensable for companies seeking to protect both their software and intellectual property from cyber threats, reverse engineering, and unauthorised access.  CodeMeter not only safeguards the digital know-how of companies but also offers flexible licencing options that allow businesses to monetize their software more effectively, generate new revenue streams, and manage the distribution of their software in a controlled and secure manner. Participating companies and their use of CodeMeter B&R, a pioneer in machine automation, integrated CodeMeter with Technology Guarding to protect their hardware and software from unauthorised access and tampering. The inclusion of CodeMeter in their Automation Studio development environment enables secure licencing and ensures that only licenced software runs on their systems. CODESYS, renowned for its IEC 61131-3 automation software, combines CodeMeter with their SoftPLCs and Virtual PLCs to protect source code, functions, and libraries. The integration of CodeMeter into their development environment ensures that only authorised users can run their applications, protecting the company’s intellectual property from reverse engineering and theft. KEBA, operating across industrial and energy sectors, uses CodeMeter and its SAP integration for IP protection and licensing. With AxProtector, KEBA secures their software at both PC and intelligent device levels. CodeMeter’s flexible licensing model allows KEBA to offer trial licences that can easily be upgraded to permanent ones. Kistler, a world pioneer in precision measurement technology for industries like automotive and aerospace, uses CodeMeter to secure its dynamic measurement software running on PCs and embedded systems. With CodeMeter, Kistler not only prevents unauthorised access to its software but also enables flexible licencing models that allow customers to access specific software features tailored to their needs. TTTech Industrial, a pioneer in IIoT solutions, integrates CodeMeter to protect its NERVE platform, ensuring secure data flow and application management across diverse industrial edge environments. The platform relies on CodeMeter for robust license management, allowing it to provide a safe and reliable framework for industrial automation and edge computing. CodeMeter’s role in the future of automation Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter technology handles these challenges head-on, offering firms a broad key As industrial systems become increasingly interconnected and reliant on intelligent devices, securing both software and hardware has never been more critical. Wibu-Systems’ CodeMeter technology addresses these challenges head-on, offering companies a comprehensive solution that combines software protection, licencing, and security. “Security and licensing are two cornerstones of the future of industrial automation. By partnering with industry leaders, we are helping businesses secure their intellectual property and optimize their operations with CodeMeter,” said Oliver Winzenried, CEO and co-founder of Wibu-Systems. “At SPS 2024, our guided tours will demonstrate the real-world impact of these solutions in driving innovation and safeguarding critical automation systems.” Safeguard of automation systems SPS 2024 provides the perfect platform for Wibu-Systems and its partners to demonstrate how these solutions can help industries protect their most valuable assets and maintain a competitive edge. Attendees of the guided tours will leave with a deeper understanding of how to implement secure, scalable solutions that safeguard their automation systems and intellectual property in a rapidly evolving industrial landscape. At SPS 2024, Wibu-Systems leads guided tours to selected industrial automation pioneers that have integrated its CodeMeter technology into their systems to protect critical IP and automate secure software licencing across a wide range of sectors.

Stephen Robinson, Senior Threat Intelligence Analyst at WithSecure, comments on the Schneider Electric ransomware attack, stating, “The attack on Schneider Electric follows a trend of cyberattacks against the energy sector." He adds, "The energy sector is a popular target for ransomware due to playing a vital role in society's daily functioning – disruption can have far-reaching consequences. Schneider Electric themselves were victims of Lockbit's MoveIT ransomware campaign in 2023, so it is concerning to see them compromised again so soon." Leveraging data Stephen Robinson continues, "Energy companies hold huge amounts of PII which not only has value on the dark web but is excellent leverage for cyber attackers when demanding a ransom." He said, "In addition to this, it was Schneider Electric's Sustainability Business enterprise consulting arm that was compromised. Its customers include mega-companies such as Hilton, Pepsico, and Walmart, and they likely hold sensitive data belonging to these companies." Cactus ransomware brand TTPs follow the standard ransomware playbook, making use of well-known tooling and methods" Stephen Robinson adds, "Schneider Electric is yet to confirm if the Cactus ransomware brand was responsible for the attack, and they have not as yet been listed on the group's leak site, however, Cactus has become increasingly active in recent months." He continues, "They are a multipoint extortion group that first appeared in March 2023, and their TTPs follow the standard ransomware playbook, making use of well-known tooling and methods. During multiple of their initial attacks in 2023, Cactus gained access to victim networks via vulnerable VPN gateways, often Fortinet VPN instances." Risk assessments Stephen Robinson concludes, "The energy sector and other, similar Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) will continue to be a regular target for cyberattacks, especially with the current, heightened geopolitical tensions. In its Annual Review, the UK NCSC warned about the increasing threat towards CNI." He further said, "Therefore, energy organisations must invest in regular risk assessments and advanced security measures to minimise their attack surface.”

Secure, integrated cloud services provider, Six Degrees, announced that it has achieved SD-WAN Specialisation as part of the Fortinet Engage Partner Program. Through the Secure SD-WAN Specialisation, Six Degrees’ sales and technical teams have expanded their knowledge in SD-WAN deployment scenarios using Fortinet’s Secure SD-WAN solution. As such, Six Degrees is able to help customers conceptualise, enhance, and troubleshoot their SD-WAN deployments. SD-WAN solution In a fast-moving industry, specialisations focused on market opportunities enabled by the Fortinet Engage Partner Program help partners be recognised and valued by current and potential customers as trusted partners who have the expertise, services, and technologies they need to fulfil their business needs. At Six Degrees we understand the critical importance of embedding security from the ground up Simon Crawley-Trice, Chief Executive Officer, Six Degrees, said: “At Six Degrees we understand the critical importance of embedding security from the ground up across our entire portfolio. This is why Fortinet sits at the heart of our SD-WAN solution, enabling us to deliver secure, high-performance, cost-effective hybrid networking to organisations throughout the UK." Fortinet’s SD-WAN Partner Specialisation Crawley-Trice added: “As one of a select few UK partners to achieve Fortinet’s SD-WAN Partner Specialisation, we demonstrate our technical capabilities and commitment to maximising the benefits our customers realise from Fortinet’s industry-pioneering cyber security technology.” Chris Briers, Senior Regional Manager, MSSP–UKI, Fortinet, said: “Fortinet’s Engage Partner Program provides Six Degrees with a valuable, flexible platform to build a profitable and highly differentiated security practice. By achieving the SD-WAN Partner Specialisation, Six Degrees has demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to become a partner of distinction.”