Data logger security

Data logger security concerns include:

  • Collection of sensitive data
  • Operation of critical systems
  • Networks that are accessible to many individuals

Device Configuration Utility Security Check

A Security Check is provided through Device Configuration Utility, starting with version 2.29. This check helps you identify areas where security can be improved.

All suggestions shown in Device Configuration Utility are optional and no changes will be made unless you make them. For example, Device Configuration Utility uses a simple set of criteria to suggest a strong password. If you have your own criteria, you can use it. Because every deployment can be different, Device Configuration Utility will provide you with the information you need to ensure your data logger security is optimized for your application.

In general, green, blue, and red icons indicate password strength.

  • Green: strong password
  • Blue: weak password
  • Red: no password set

A strong password has the following:

  • Eight or more characters
  • One upper case letter
  • One lower case letter
  • One digit
  • One special character

The green, blue, and red icons may also show the potential severity of a security vulnerability.

  • Green: good, no action needed
  • Blue: advisory information
  • Red: action recommended

PakBus

ClosedPakBus ® A proprietary communications protocol developed by Campbell Scientific to facilitate communications between Campbell Scientific devices. Similar in concept to IP (Internet Protocol), PakBus is a packet-switched network protocol with routing capabilities. A registered trademark of Campbell Scientific, Inc. encryption is the best data logger option to secure PakBus communications. Setting a PakBus Encryption (AES-128) Key in Device Configuration Utility forces PakBus data to be encrypted during transmission. The Security Check will check if the data logger has a PakBus Encryption Key set and a PakBus/TCP Password.

When neither of these is set, the Security Check will indicate that action is recommended.

The Security Check will not suggest setting a PakBus/TCP password if PakBus Encryption is already enabled. However, a PakBus/TCP password can be used with PakBus Encryption.

Web services

The Security Check will check to see if ClosedHTTP Hypertext Transfer Protocol. A TCP/IP application protocol. or ClosedHTTPS Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure. A secure version of HTTP. is enabled. If these protocols are not being used but are enabled, we recommend disabling them.

HTTP

HTTP, enabled by default, is an insecure protocol and can allow access to data logger data, settings, and programming. HTTP should only be enabled if it is required, and the data logger is on a secure network. If the data logger is not using web API or a hosted web page then HTTP should be disabled. If HTTP protocol is used, a .csipasswd file and user accounts should also be used.

See The .csipasswd file and Web interface for more information.

HTTPS

HTTPS is a secure protocol but does allow access to data logger data, settings, and programming. HTTPS should only be enabled if it is required. If the data logger is not using web API or a hosted web page then HTTPS should be disabled. If HTTPS protocol is used, a .csipasswd file and user accounts should also be used. Expect delays when using HTTPS, especially when first connecting.

See The .csipasswd file and Web interface for more information.

Network services

The Security Check will check to see if any of the following network services are enabled. These services can be used to discover your data logger on an IP network. See Device Configuration Utility > Deployment > Network Services tab, to make changes.

NOTE:

FTP, Telnet, and Ping services are disabled by default.

FTP

ClosedFTP File Transfer Protocol. A TCP/IP application protocol. is an insecure protocol that allows access to data logger data and files. FTP should only be enabled if it is required. If the FTP file transfer is not needed, then FTP should be disabled. Some data loggers support using SFTP (only as a client), this can improve file transfer security. Consider using a public/private key pair for SFTP authentication. Load a .PEM format file through the Device Configuration UtilitySettings Editor > Advanced tab.

Telnet

ClosedTelnet A software utility that attempts to contact and interrogate another specific device in a network. Telnet is resident in Windows OS. is an insecure protocol. It should only be enabled if it is required, and the data logger is on a secure network. PakBus is the preferred way of accessing the data logger terminal interface.

Ping

ClosedPing A software utility that attempts to contact another device in a network. makes the data logger visible to network scans. It should only be enabled if it is required.

Operating System Status

The Security Check will check to see if your data logger is running the latest operating system. Newer operating systems may have enhanced security measures. See Updating the operating system for more information.