IT/OT convergence is one of the popular buzzwords thrown around by most manufacturers as part of their digital transformation journey. When the phrase is used, most people think it just means the connection of operational technology (OT) with information technology (IT), or more casually: connecting the shop floor with the…

The culture clash between IT an OT operators has taken a back seat to three emerging security issues for the industrial control systems (ICS) community. “That won’t work for OT” was a common mantra in the days before SolarWinds and smart device source code snafus. IT expert staff ranging from…

Misconceptions about ICS/OT cybersecurity are stubborn. This “mythbusting” blog series dispels five common myths related to ICS cybersecurity. Catch up on previous entries if you’re interested: Now, let’s look back at this series with a few parting thoughts on the state of ICS cybersecurity today. Lessons Learned from Recent Attacks and Industry Surveys Major Trends in ICS Cybersecurity ICS cyberattacks involving cyber criminals…

Operational teams running industrial systems rely on remote access devices to do their jobs and rarely think about the non-technical and non-commercial considerations when buying. But recent history is telling us that where the device-and even components within the device-come from matters much more than we recognize. Supply Chain Attacks Are Serious A supply chain…

We’ve finally come to the last installment of this series on marketing for the industrial automation industry, and here’s a big “thank you” to everyone who stuck with us for this long. It’s been quite the ride, hasn’t it? …

The following technical discussion is part of an occasional series showcasing the ISA Mentor Program, authored by Greg McMillan, industry consultant, author of numerous process control books, 2010 ISA Life Achievement Award recipient, and retired Senior Fellow from Solutia, Inc. (now Eastman Chemical). …

The manufacturing industry has been hit especially hard by the pandemic. There’s the obvious impact of potentially sick workers, along with the need for social distancing and strict health requirements. Then there are supply chain issues, many of which mean component or material shortages. Finally, consumer demands have not fallen…

Enhancing ICS Cybersecurity in the Software Development Lifecycle Key Takeaways Open source software (OSS) is frequently integrated into industrial control systems (ICS) and critical infrastructure as business owners pursue greater interoperability, portability, and interchangeability. While tapping into the benefits of open source software, cybersecurity considerations are imperative, since availability and reliability is paramount for industrial control systems. Ensuring high-quality code…

On 5 February 2021, attackers gained access to the industrial control system (ICS) at a water treatment plant in a small town in Pinellas County, Florida. …