ThinManager Helps You Avoid the Stuxnet Virus
There is a new villain in the computer virus world and it is from the Stuxnet family of malware. The Stuxnet attack exploits a vulnerability in Microsoft Windows software, WinCCConnect, which is an integral component of the distributed control and SCADA systems that facilitate production operations in many process-manufacturing companies. The vulnerability would allow the virus to extract process data and possibly HMI screens.
The director and chief economist of the independent watchdog The US Cyber Consequences Unit Scott Borg says “Either the attacker is planning on stealing very valuable information or they are going to use this access to the control system to do bad things.” The virus’s purpose seems to be what can only be termed as industrial espionage as attackers could steal information on how plants are run to possibly extort money or influence manufacturers by taking away the competitive edge with the information obtained.
Top 10 Advantages to Using ThinManager
We all know that ThinManager is great, but do you know all the ways ThinManager can help you? Here are the top 10 advantages of using ThinManager:
1. Security: ThinManager knows the best security is not letting the problem close enough to be an issue, so we’ve created a secure environment. Terminal Servers can be secured away from public access, USB ports are closed by default and there are no CD or floppy drives to compromise security. With TermSecure™ we added a second level of security with features like having users access and privileges controlled by administrator, an Auto-login option, and a key blocking module.
You’re Hired! How WinTMC Can Work for You
Imagine having the power to turn a PC work station into an easy to manage secure terminal in any industrial situation. Now imagine that work station being a simple and reliable system with increased functionality paired with decreased ownership cost. Your imagination is here.
With the addition of WinTMC, ThinManager provides a complete solution for organizations that need to use PCs as part of their terminal server network. For many network administrators, WinTMC may be the missing piece to help their network be more cost effective, productive and easier to manage.
Use ThinManager to Shadow PCs
The other day I spoke with a company that wanted to monitor and control 400 PCs scattered around their plant. Believe it or not, this is actually a job for ThinManager!
All that is needed is a ThinManager license and a copy of WinTMC for each PC. In this case a single ThinManager Enterprise Server license would be the correct choice. You would not even need a Terminal Server. Because WinTMC also runs as a service, the administrator could use easily shadow and control each PC without even having the PC logged in.
Thin Clients and Virtualization Part II – Deploying Windows XP
Use VMWare to display XP Desktops out to Thin Clients without even using a Windows Terminal Server!
ACP Expands ThinManager Distributor Channel
AutomaTech, Control Dynamics, Industrial Network Systems and McNaughton-McKay now offering ThinManager and ThinManager Ready Thin Clients
Alpharetta, Georgia, June 10, 2010 – Automation Control Products is proud to announce the recent signing of new partners to its nationwide distributor sales channel. These companies’ commitment to their customers and their understanding of rapidly changing technology make each one of them a great fit with ACP’s ThinManager and its focus on building the most robust industrial software platform for the modern plant floor.
In addition to selling ACP’s Thin Client management software ThinManager, each of these distributors will also be selling ThinManager Ready hardware from ACP’s existing hardware partners.
Thin Clients and Virtualization
Thin Clients and PC Virtualization are both having a pretty good run in 2010. This quick post gives a little background on each.
Even Small Companies benefit from Thin Clients
Industrial users have long realized the benefits of replacing PCs on the plant floor with Thin Clients even on a small scale. A large number of ACP's customers who are using ThinManager with industrial Thin Clients are actually running five or fewer terminals.