Situation
A major utility company in the southern United States approached TC Communications for a teleprotection solution. The customer had specific cybersecurity requirements associated with their network, which they protected by using a cloud-based application called Qualys, an information and security cloud solution provider.
Solution
C37.94 JumboSwitch® Solution
TC sales managers and sales engineers drew up a solution using the TC3846-2 JumboSwitch® to extend multiple C37.94 ports across the customer’s IP network, which included hundreds of substations in a SCADA over Ciena XCVR backhaul. The following diagrams illustrate the concept of this application:
The TC3846-2 solution used multiple C37.94 interface cards, which we provided in 2U racks controlled by our TC3840-5 management cards. This was supplied so the customer could deploy this setup in multiple locations throughout their network.
Security Scanning and Remediation
As previously mentioned, the customer used the Qualys application and platform to scan their utility network in order to identify and manage cybersecurity threats, which are ranked as high, medium, or low risk. The customer required that our products comply with a level 2 rating or below.
During the testing period, Qualys scans of our equipment generated a few reported security threats. However, by working with our developers, we were able to eliminate all cybersecurity threats within a two-week period, giving the customer confidence in moving forward with our solution. They were easily able to add the TC3846-2 and TC3840-5 equipment to their network, and to date, have reported no new threats.
Results
Moving Forward with Qualys
Following this experience, TC Communications now incorporates regular Qualys scans as part of regular maintenance for our larger customers with support contracts to ensure that they continue to minimize cybersecurity threats. And because we provide 100% of our design, manufacturing, and support directly from our Irvine, California headquarters, we can respond quickly to reported threats.
TC Communications continues to find new and better ways to improve the mission-critical nature of our products to all our customers.