Removable security modules and related methods
AssigneeFisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
InventorsLee Allen Neitzel, Gary Keith Law, Godfrey R. Sherriff
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Example removable security modules for use with process control devices and related methods are disclosed. An example removable security module includes a body configured to be removably coupled to the process control device and a memory disposed in the body with a shared secret stored in the memory. The example removable security module also includes a processing unit disposed in the body, coupled to the memory and configured to read information from the process control device, compare the information to the shared secret and authenticate the process control device based on the comparison.
Claims34
A removable security module for use with a process control device, comprising:
- a body configured to be removably coupled to the process control device;
- a memory disposed in the body and a shared secret stored in the memory;
- and
- a processing unit disposed in the body, coupled to the memory and configured to:
- read information from the process control device;
- compare the information to the shared secret;
- and
- authenticate the process control device based on the comparison.
A plurality of removable security modules for use with a process control device, wherein each of the modules comprises:
- a body configured to be removably coupled to the process control device;
- a memory disposed in the body and a shared secret stored in the memory;
- and
- a processing unit disposed in the body, coupled to the memory and configured to:
- read information from the process control device;
- compare the information to the shared secret;
- and
- authenticate the process control device based on the comparison.
A method of securing a process control device with a removable security module, the method comprising:
- reading information in the process control device via the security module;
- comparing the information to a shared secret stored in a memory of the security module;
- and
- authenticating the process control device based on the comparison via the security module.
A method of securing a process control device, the method comprising:
- receiving a request or command at the process control device, wherein the request or command is associated with a first person;
- obtaining a secret in response to the receipt of the request or command;
- providing the secret to a second person;
- sending the secret to the process control device via the second person;
- authorizing the request or command for the process control device in response to the process control device receiving the secret.
A distributed process control system comprising:
- one or more process control devices;
- means for reading information from at least one of process control devices;
- means for comparing the information to a shared secret;
- means for authenticating at least one of the process control devices based on the comparison;
- and
- means for authorizing one or more applications for use with at least one of the process control devices.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.