Understanding Industrial Control Systems (ICS): Keeping the World's Critical Infrastructure Running
In our modern world, Industrial Control Systems (ICS) play a pivotal role in managing and controlling various critical infrastructure, such as power plants, water treatment facilities, manufacturing plants, and transportation systems. These systems are the unsung heroes that ensure the smooth operation of our daily lives. What are Industrial Control Systems? Industrial Control Systems are specialized hardware and software solutions designed to monitor and control industrial processes and infrastructure. They consist of three major components: Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems: These are responsible for real-time monitoring and data acquisition. They collect data from various sensors and devices in the field. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs): PLCs are the brain behind ICS. They execute control logic based on data from SCADA systems and user-defined algorithms. Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs): HMIs allow operators to interact with the system and m...