Introduction to SEMI E191
SEMI E191 is a cybersecurity specification that establishes fundamental requirements for computing device cybersecurity status reporting in semiconductor manufacturing environments. Released in October 2024 by the North America Fab & Equipment Computer and Device Security (CDS) Task Force, this standard addresses the critical challenge of identifying and assessing cybersecurity risks posed by computing devices connected to factory networks. The specification provides a structured framework for equipment suppliers to report essential cybersecurity status information, enabling manufacturing facilities to conduct comprehensive risk assessments and implement targeted security measures.
Purpose of the SEMI E191 Standard
The SEMI E191 standard addresses the urgent need for systematic cybersecurity visibility across semiconductor manufacturing operations. Legacy operating systems and unpatched computing devices in semiconductor fabrication facilities present significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities, particularly as production equipment operates for 20-25 years while operating system innovation cycles are substantially shorter. The standard’s primary objective is to enable factories to identify computing devices with security vulnerabilities and prioritize remediation efforts. By establishing standardized reporting requirements, SEMI E191 facilitates the collection of structured cybersecurity status information across all factory-connected computing devices, supporting informed risk management decisions and targeted security improvements.
Key Concepts and Technical Features
SEMI E191 applies to all computing devices that can accept software modifications or execute software to perform operations, including Equipment Control System (ECS) computers, analysis servers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and real-time operating systems connected to high-speed sensors. The standard requires implementers to report five fundamental operating system details for each computing device: ComputingDeviceIdentifier (unique device identification value), OSManufacturer (operating system manufacturer name), OSName (operating system name), OSVersion (operating system version details), and OSBuild (operating system build information). The subordinate standard SEMI E191.1 defines the implementation protocol using SECS-II interface with two new status variables, enabling integration with existing semiconductor manufacturing equipment communication infrastructure. Computing devices implementing SEMI E191 can report their own cybersecurity status and may be configured to report status information for other factory network-connected devices that do not implement the standard.
Industry Significance and Applications
SEMI E191 establishes the foundation for systematic cybersecurity risk assessment in semiconductor manufacturing by providing standardized visibility into computing device security status across factory operations. The standard enables manufacturing facilities to differentiate between minimal security risks (such as five instances of unpatched systems) and significant vulnerabilities (such as five hundred insecure systems on the network). This capability supports targeted remediation efforts, optimized resource allocation, and enhanced overall security posture. The CDS Task Force is expanding the standard to include operating system patches, service packs, and installed components information, while developing alternative reporting mechanisms for computing devices without SECS-II interfaces, including gRPC and Protocol Buffers interfaces or structured file formats such as XML and JSON. Manufacturing execution systems (MES), material control systems (MCS), and other factory-provided computing devices are explicitly excluded from this standard’s scope.
PDF Solutions Product Support
Specific information regarding our products that support the SEMI E191 standard is not documented in the available materials. Organizations requiring detailed information about our SEMI E191 compliance capabilities and implementation support should contact us directly for comprehensive product specifications and technical documentation.