What are Industrial Control Systems?
Industrial Control Systems (ICS) is an umbrella term for the various control systems and instrumentation used to operate and automate industrial processes. ICS encompasses SCADA systems, Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and other control system configurations.
Types of ICS
- SCADA: Used for geographically dispersed processes
- DCS: Used for localized, continuous processes (e.g., chemical plants)
- PLCs: Programmable devices for automating specific processes
- Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS): Dedicated systems for safety functions
ICS Security
Securing ICS environments requires a different approach than traditional IT security due to unique requirements around availability, real-time performance, legacy systems, and safety considerations. The IEC 62443 standard provides comprehensive guidance for ICS security.
Convergence with IT
The increasing convergence of IT and OT networks means that ICS environments are exposed to new cyber threats. Organizations must implement appropriate security controls while maintaining operational reliability.
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