February 25, 2014 - Phoenix Contact introduces the mGuard Secure Cloud (mSC), a free web-based service that allows FL mGuard users to securely communicate with and support industrial equipment over the Internet. The mSC uses award-winning FL mGuard hardware to give OEMs, machine builders and system integrators a secure, easy and cost-effective way to access machines and systems anywhere in the world over the Internet. Because small and medium-size businesses do not always have the resources to implement, host and support their own VPN solution, Phoenix Contact essentially acts as the customer’s IT department. Phoenix Contact hosts the mGuard Secure Cloud at its state-of-the-art data center near Harrisburg, Pa.
This helps the user eliminate the hardware and installation costs of an in-house VPN. It also reduces travel expenses incurred from service visits to remote customers. The mGuard Secure Cloud, which uses the IPsec security protocol with AES-256 bit encryption, performs five times faster than similar services that rely on Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology. The SHA-1 algorithm ensures data integrity when packets travel over the Internet. For additional layers of security on the technician side, the cloud \uses a two-factor method for session and VPN authentication and supports X509 certificates, ensuring each VPN tunnel is unique and confidential.
To use the mGuard Secure Cloud, start by registering at https://us.cloud.mguard.com. After signing up, a user can define machines and service technicians he or she wants to connect; by providing a few pieces of information – such as IP address scheme – the mGuard configurations will be created for these users, allowing them to connect to the mSC server.
Once configuration is complete, the user can log in, choose the machine he or she wants to access and then launch the VPN connection. No IT intervention is required in order to go through firewalls, corporate routers or ports. The FL mGuard is a family of industrial security appliances bringing IT technology to the factory floor. Hardware options include DIN rail-mounted models with hazardous location approvals and wide temperature ratings, PCI cards, and portable USB-powered and desktop form factors.
About Phoenix Contact
Phoenix Contact develops and manufactures industrial electrical and electronic technology products that power, protect, connect and automate systems and equipment for a wide range of industries. Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG, Blomberg, Germany, operates 50 international subsidiaries, including Phoenix Contact USA in Middletown, Pa.
