Eaton launches its first UL Gigabyt Network M2 card

Eaton, one of the world leaders in power management, is launching its first UL Gigabit Network M2 certified network card. The launch marks Eaton’s expansion in its cyber security program and in collaboration with UL, a global security science organization setting measurable cyber security criteria for network-connected power management products and systems.

The UL’s new IT security certification for Eaton’s UPS technology demonstrates the company’s global capabilities to meet stringent specifications and meet customer expectations for secure and secure power management in increasingly connected environments.

Being the newest UPS, Gigabit Network M2 enables IT professionals to access new capabilities and superior speed while ensuring the highest level of protection against cyber-security threats and respecting the strict security standard UL 2900-2-2.

The development of the Gigabit M2 network card was based on Eaton’s ‘design security’ philosophy, a profound approach that manages cyber security risks throughout the product lifecycle.

The Gigabit M2 network card improves the reliability of the power system by alerting administrators of any problems and allowing the orderly shutdown of servers and storage devices. The device is also compatible with Eaton’s Intelligent Power Manager (IPM) software and optional second-generation monitoring probes, enabling continuous improvement of activity and enhanced data center back-up capabilities. For example, in the case of electrical anomalies or environmental abnormalities, the Gigabit M2 network card can trigger predefined methods to keep critical system applications running.

A strong security solution

As cyber attacks are becoming more widespread and more sophisticated, it is vital to ensure that the UPS does not provide an entry point. Eaton’s secure development cycle ensures that products are “secured by design.” The Gigabit M2 network card is designed to protect Data Centers and Power Distribution Units (PDUs) against cyber attacks throughout the product life. To accomplish this, Eaton has worked closely with a renowned UL leader as part of a global joint effort between the PQD and the CSCE (Center for the Excellence of Cyber Security).

With the industry’s first industry test laboratory approved to participate in the UL Cyber Security Program, and a second-recently-approved laboratory, Eaton can rigorously assess its products to meet UL 2900-1 and 2900-2-2 standards.

The Gigabit M2 network card is now UL-certified according to the UL 2900-2-2 standard. Cyber security enhancements now include stronger encryption, configurable password methods, and the use of signed digital certificates. In addition, the device is compatible with today’s Gigabit network switches and can be installed on Gigabit data center networks only.

“After hard work, dedicated to and in close cooperation with our teams around the world, we are thrilled that Gigabit M2 has been awarded UL certification,” said Eric Rueda, Eaton’s line manager for software products and connectivity, Power Quality, EMEA. “This is an achievement that truly demonstrates the power to combine expertise and specialist resources across our business.”

“In a world of omnipresent connectivity, trust environments are crucial,” continues Rueda. “Our customers do not want to risk their systems, so cyber security is part of our DNA at Eaton.” We see security as a continuous journey, and our approach is designed to protect products throughout the lifecycle so that cyber-criminals can not get a support point. With products tested in our LLL-dedicated laboratories, we can ensure that customers can connect their business with confidence.”

“As industries introduce more and more intelligent technologies that interconnect everyday life, trust is becoming more and more important,” Rueda concluded. “We have to transform the Internet of Things into a safe Internet for Human Beings – and our collaborative efforts contribute to this.”