Targeting Network Security: New Generation of Remote Panels for Hazardous Areas Introduced

Explosion-proof panel PCs for controlling and visualising processes on-site make machines and systems more user-friendly, highly available and cost-efficient. The POLARIS series, from Bartec (Germany), even increases this benefit, because it does not only satisfy the explosion protection, but, with its sophisticated system design, it also satisfies the high IT safety requirements, which have to be fulfilled.

As an alternative to Windows Explorer, the remote panels are equipped with the ZeroClientShell developed by BARTEC in-house, in a user-friendly tile design. The functionalities of the POLARIS devices are thereby limited to a minimum. For the user, the log-in into the server is automated by pre-configuration. He only has access to the functions, which he needs for his task. In addition, the operating system is reduced such that data carriers cannot be used via the USB interface, because they are blocked.

In addition to the dangers originating from the user, the network also represents a source of danger, via which viruses, Trojans or similar programs attempt to infect the devices with malware. However, due to the fact that the ZeroClients are invisible within the network and due to the fact that all of the services, which would make it possible to access the device from the network side, are deactivated, cyber attacks are prevented effectively. The only permitted protocol is the RTP protocol, which is required for the remote function.

As standard, the Enhanced Write Filter (EWF), which is available for the embedded system, is activated on the devices. It prevents any physical write access to the system partition of the installed data carrier. Data, which are written onto the system partition, are no longer available after restarting the system, because they are deleted in response to shut-down.

The devices are available in all conventional display sizes.