ISA and MBI Join Forces to Answer High Demand for Industrial Cybersecurity Training in Germany

Summary

The International Society of Automation (ISA) today announced that Maschinenbau Institut GmbH (MBI), a service company of VDMA (mechanical engineering industry association), are joining forces with ISA to offer a unique, German ISA cybersecurity training program. The first activity will be a “Cybersecurity Fundamentals” training for VDMA members, located on the Fraunhofer site in Karlsruhe, Germany.

Forged in response to the changing industrial security landscape and growing cyber threats to automation networks and systems, the collaboration focuses specifically on training of the VDMA members in OT automation security standards. Both organizations will share training expertise based on ISA/IEC 62443, the world’s only consensus-based set of industry cybersecurity standards.

“Cybersecurity needs to be addressed by our members, as recent global ransomware attacks have demonstrated their potential impact,” said Managing Director Catherine John of Maschinenbau-Institut GmbH (MBI), the education academy of VDMA. “Our members need to adequately manage the associated cyber risk stemming from the vulnerabilities of OT technology, coupled with the increased connectivity in our digital era.”

“ISA is committed to providing high quality technical resources that cover all areas of cybersecurity,” said ISA European Director Pieter van der Klooster. “We have covered the entire spectrum of cybersecurity education and advocacy, from the development of the world’s only consensus industrial cybersecurity standard, to critical education, to compliance programs helping companies certify products and systems. We are proud to welcome MBI and look forward to working together to disseminate relevant, up-to-date, and interesting training materials to our audience.”

About MBI and VDMA

As a VDMA service company, the Maschinenbau-Institut has been offering practice-relevant further education and consulting formats for over 45 years, which address current topics of the association and effectively support the action competence of specialists and managers. The service offering portfolio consists of comprehensive professional development with relevance to mechanical engineering: conferences, training courses, seminars, as well as digital learning.
 
With more than 3,300 members, the VDMA is the largest network organization and important voice for mechanical engineering in Germany and Europe. The association represents the common economic, technical and scientific interests of this unique and diverse industry.

About ISA

The International Society of Automation is a nonprofit professional association that sets the standard for those who apply engineering and technology to improve the management, safety, and cybersecurity of modern automation and control systems used across industry and critical infrastructure. Founded in 1945, ISA develops widely-used global standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; hosts conferences and exhibits; and provides networking and career development programs for its 40,000 members and 400,000 customers around the world.