CCAM Partners with Industry, Government, University Coalition on Cybersecurity Initiative

February 4 Workshop Highlights Coalition-Based Responses to Protect Systems in Advanced Manufacturing

The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) organized and conducted an important cybersecurity focused workshop, bringing together a diverse coalition, including leaders in advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity companies, universities, and government organizations. The workshop dealt with development of new community-based initiatives for advancing protection against cyber attacks directed toward manufacturing systems, including attacks that could potentially affect the quality of products produced or shut down operations in plants

“Security of software controlled manufacturing systems is an imperative, whether it be in the research lab or in full-scale production,” said Joseph F. Moody, CCAM President and Executive Director.

The coalition shared their individual perspectives regarding possible integrated initiatives for addressing cyber attacks. All participants confirmed that new cybersecurity solutions and technologies are required, and also recognized the corresponding need for a professional workforce with the dual knowledge of cybersecurity techniques and manufacturing practices.

As consumer and industrial product development and operation becomes increasingly automated − from autonomous automobiles to 3D printers to unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) and robotics − their development must be accompanied by higher levels of security.  “The Internet of Things requires innovative new layers of security,” Moody said.

“Recognizing the importance of the accelerating trends in software controlled manufacturing systems and cyber attacks, our CCAM team brought together larger companies (including non- CCAM member companies), emerging smaller companies, government, economic development groups as well as universities to discuss approaches for increasing readiness to respond to potential cyber attacks on manufacturing systems”

Dr. Barry Horowitz, Professor, and Systems and Information Engineering Department Chair, University of Virginia, said that “Advances in cybersecurity must keep pace with developments in advanced manufacturing in order to ensure that advanced manufacturing systems are safe and their performance can not be manipulated by cyber attackers.”

“People with dual knowledge of manufacturing, data systems and cybersecurity will be an instrumental part of the workforce, and this indicates a significant requirement for training and education,” Horowitz said.

Based on the legacy of its companies engaging in cybersecurity efforts for national security, Virginia is currently a leader in the cyber security industry. Recognizing the increasing role of computers and software embedded in commercial products, CCAM is working to support the Governor of Virginia’s cybersecurity initiatives by providing a forum for the manufacturing and cybersecurity industries to provide ideas for consideration by the Virginia Cybersecurity Commission formed in May 2014. The Commission is developing a set of progressive steps for the Commonwealth to catalyze efforts that support economic development, education, and the security of systems operated and used by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

CCAM’s industry and government consortium now numbers 28 members, including Aerojet Rocketdyne, Airbus, Alcoa, Canon Virginia Inc., Chromalloy, Newport News Shipbuilding, Oerlikon Metco, Rolls-Royce, Sandvik Coromant, Siemens, Blaser Swisslube, EOS, Hermle Machine Co., Mitutoyo, Paradigm Precision, RTI International Metals, Inc., Buehler, Cool Clean Technologies, GF Machining Solutions, Mechdyne, National Instruments, Spatial Integrated Systems (SIS),  and the NASA Langley Research Center.

Academic partners are the Old Dominion University, University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University, and Virginia Tech.

CCAM is based at a 62,000 square foot facility that has computational and engineering research labs, high bay production space and commercial scale equipment, and specialized equipment and tooling for research in surface engineering, manufacturing systems, additive manufacturing, machining technologies, composite materials processing, and welding and joining. Leveraging the combined strengths and capabilities from CCAM and the network of university, industry, and government partners, CCAM bridges the gap between research and commercialization, accelerating new developments to market.

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About CCAM
CCAM delivers innovative solutions for manufacturing better products. An applied research center, CCAM provides production-ready advanced manufacturing solutions to member companies across the globe. Members guide the research, leveraging talent and resources within CCAM and at Virginia’s top universities, through a collaborative model that enables them to pool R&D efforts to increase efficiencies. Results can then be applied directly to the factory floor, turning ideas into profit faster and more affordably than ever before. CCAM is located in a state-of-the-art research facility in Prince George County, Virginia. For more information, visit www.ccam-va.com.

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