The integrity of industrial control systems depends on robust cybersecurity measures to prevent disruptions that could endanger lives and infrastructure

Industrial control environments—including energy grids, wastewater plants, assembly lines, and rail systems—are now commonly linked to enterprise IT networks and the public internet, exposing them to escalating cyber risks

Cybersecurity for industrial systems is a non-negotiable requirement, not a luxury

Begin with a comprehensive asset discovery process across your operational technology landscape

Maintain a detailed register of all physical devices, applications, embedded systems, and communication pathways

Asset visibility is the foundational pillar of any effective security strategy

Classify systems by criticality and prioritize protection for those that directly impact public safety or production continuity

Apply network zoning to create clear boundaries between OT and IT domains

Use firewalls and demilitarized zones to control traffic between different network zones

Adopt a "deny-all, allow-by-exception" policy for inter-zone communications

Enforce credential hygiene across all endpoints, including legacy equipment

Apply security updates methodically after validating them in a non-production test bed

Enforce strict authorization policies across all ICS endpoints

Assign privileges strictly according to job function and operational requirement

Require biometrics, tokens, or one-time codes for privileged access

Monitor and log all access attempts and changes to system configurations

Analyze logs daily using automated tools and human oversight

Security training must be tailored to the unique risks faced by ICS operators

Human error remains one of the leading causes of security incidents

Teach workers to identify malicious emails, suspicious USB devices, and unauthorized system changes

Make cybersecurity part of onboarding and conduct regular refresher training

Remote access should never be an afterthought in ICS security

Deploy TLS-enabled portals and IPsec-based VPNs designed for industrial use

Avoid using consumer-grade remote tools

Session logs must be archived and reviewed for anomalies

Schedule automated, encrypted backups of PLC programs, SCADA configurations, and historical logs

Keep copies air-gapped or in encrypted, physically separated storage

Simulate recovery scenarios quarterly to validate backup integrity

Develop and practice an incident response plan tailored to industrial environments

Define clear roles: plant managers, IT security, vendor support, and emergency responders

Vendors must provide long-term support for firmware and patch delivery

Verify compliance with IEC 62443, 転職 未経験可 NIST, or ISA standards before procurement

Frameworks provide structure, benchmarks, and audit readiness

Finally, conduct regular security assessments and audits

Prioritize findings by exploitability and potential impact

Security funding must be justified by measurable risk reduction

Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort—it requires continuous monitoring, adaptation, and improvement

Sustained commitment to ICS security ensures the uninterrupted delivery of essential services to millions