Onderwijs1 min leestijd

Wat is industriële cyberbeveiliging? Uw OT-netwerk beschermen

TSL Automation Solutions 4 maart 2025 Bijgewerkt 18 mei 2026

Industriële cyberbeveiliging, bescherming OT-netwerk, TSL Automation Solutions

Inhoudsopgave

Why Industrial Cybersecurity Matters

Industrial cyber attacks are no longer rare. The 2021 Oldsmar water treatment attack, the 2017 TRITON malware targeting safety systems, and the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack demonstrated that factory networks are attractive and vulnerable targets. Unlike IT systems, a successful OT cyber attack can cause physical damage to equipment, endanger workers, and halt production for weeks.

Key OT Cybersecurity Risks

Ransomware, encrypts SCADA servers and historian databases; demands payment to restore
Remote access exploitation, unsecured VPN or RDP access to engineering workstations
USB-borne malware, infected USB drives introduced during maintenance
Unpatched HMI and SCADA software, older Windows XP/7 systems still common in Indian plants
IT/OT network convergence, connecting OT directly to corporate IT without segmentation

IEC 62443: The Industrial Cybersecurity Standard

IEC 62443 is the international standard for industrial cybersecurity. It defines security levels (SL 1 tot 4), roles (asset owner, integrator, supplier), and requirements for securing industrial control systems. Indian manufacturers supplying to global OEMs are increasingly required to demonstrate IEC 62443 compliance.

Practical Steps to Improve OT Security

Segment OT and IT networks with a DMZ and industrial firewall
Disable unused COM ports and USB ports on HMIs and industrial PCs
Enable Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 on industrial PCs (supported by Avalue platforms)
Replace end-of-life Windows XP/7 HMI systems with modern hardware
Enforce multi-factor authentication for all remote access

Veelgestelde vragen

Industrial cybersecurity (also called OT security or ICS security) is the practice of protecting operational technology networks, PLCs, SCADA systems, DCS, and HMIs, from cyber threats. Unlike IT security, OT security must prioritise availability and safety above all else, because a successful attack can cause physical damage, production shutdowns, or endanger personnel.

IT security protects data confidentiality using frequent patching, encryption, and access controls on office systems. OT security protects industrial control systems where availability and safety are paramount, many OT systems cannot be patched during production and run legacy protocols without built-in authentication. IT systems tolerate downtime for updates; OT systems often cannot stop without costly production losses.

The most common OT threats are ransomware (which locks HMIs and SCADA servers, halting production), targeted malware like TRITON (which attacks safety systems), supply chain attacks (compromised vendor software or hardware), and insider threats. Phishing attacks on IT networks that pivot to OT via connected systems are the most common initial access vector.

Key OT security steps include: network segmentation using a DMZ or Purdue Model to isolate OT from IT and the internet; asset inventory of all PLCs, HMIs, and field devices; restricting remote access to VPN with MFA; deploying OT-aware intrusion detection; disabling unused ports and services; and regular security assessments. Air-gapping critical systems where connectivity is not required.

Yes, TSL Automation Solutions provides guidance on OT network architecture and segmentation for industrial facilities in India. We supply industrial-grade networking hardware and can assist with OT security assessments for manufacturing, process, and utilities customers. Contact our Mumbai team to discuss your OT security requirements.

Tags: industrial cybersecurity OT security SCADA cybersecurity ICS security IEC 62443 industrial PLC security factory cyber attack

Was dit nuttig? Deel het

TSL Automation Solutions

Hoofd Marketing, TSL Automation Solutions

Sanjana schrijft over trends in industriële automatisering, productlanceringen en technologische inzichten voor TSL Automation Solutions, een in Mumbai gevestigde distributeur van HMI, panel-pc en embedded computersystemen voor fabrikanten in India en wereldwijd.