An ICS master station repeatedly communicates with field controllers through a process called “polling.” The master station will send a request for updates whereby a field controller, such as an RTU or PLC, responds by sending back the requested information. assets are polled to verify they are still functioning as expected. When the asset is […]
Category: Threats
SCADA vs. DCS
SCADA DCS
ICS Components – Field Devices
Field devices are the instruments and sensors that measure process parameters and the actuators that control the process. This is the interface between the ICS and the physical process, be it the mixing of chemicals, the management of trains, or measuring of pressures in a gas pipeline.This is the point in the system where information […]
Common ICS Components – Field Devices
The instruments and sensors that measure process parameters and the actuators that control the process. This is the interface between the ICS and the physical process, be it the mixing of chemicals, the management of trains, or measuring of pressures in a gas pipeline. This is the point in the system where information is collected […]
Common ICS Components – Field Controllers
The devices that consolidate inputs and outputs, taking the instructions from the operators to make changes in the field. Controllers can be programmed or updated in the field (remotely). These devices were designed as if they were in a “trusted” (the network map should show information about the trusted vs. un-trusted environments) environment. Therefore, when […]
Common ICS Components – Human-Machine Interface (HMI)
The user interface in a manufacturing or process control system. It provides a graphics-based visualization of an industrial control and monitoring system. Previously called an “MMI” (man-machine interface), an HMI typically resides on a computer that communicates with a specialized computer in the plant, such as a programmable automation controller (PAC), programmable logic controller (PLC) […]
Common ICS Components – Engineering Workstations
A specialized type of HMI, typically interface with the servers to modify the database or controllers to ensure the critical process runs properly. As we gain an understanding of the similarities between IT and ICS architectures, we will have greater success mapping traditional cybersecurity issues into the ICS domain. Copyright: Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
Common ICS Components – Servers
Used to store configuration for the ICS and saves process data in historians for later retrieval. The servers connect to business networks to allow remote operations, configuration, or information exchanges to improve productivity. Copyright: Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
Common ICS Components
Copyright: Copyright: Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
What is Social Media Intelligence (SOCMINT)?
SOCMINT, or Social Media Intelligence, is a subset of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) that focuses on the collection and analysis of data from social media platforms. It involves using tools and techniques to monitor conversations, synchronize social signals, and synthesize data points into actionable insights. SOCMINT is utilized by various organizations to understand public sentiment, […]