Why control system owners

have to focus on cyber security

Industrial automation and control systems have evolved over the past decade thanks to techno

logical advancements. At the heart of these advancements are specialized IT systems.

To provide end users with comprehensive real time information and allow for higher levels of

reliability and control, these systems have become more and more interconnected.

The new generation of automation systems utilize open standards, such as OPC, IEC 61850. IEC 60870

5104. DNP 3.0. and commercial technologies, in particular Ethernet and TCP/IPbased

communication protocols. They also enable connectivity to external networks, such as office

intranet and the internet. These changes in technology have brought huge benefits from anopera

tional perspective, but they have also introduced cyber security concerns previously

known only in office or enterprise IT systems.

Cyber risks were inherited by adopting open IT standards. But fortunately, so were the cyber

security mechanisms developed in enterprise environments to address those risks.

These mechanisms enable the development of cyber security solutions tailored for industrial

automation and control systems, relying on proven technology.