Industrial Control Systems: Understanding Critical Infrastructure Security and Vulnerabilities

Learn about the critical national infrastructure (CNI) and industrial control systems (ICS) in this 44-minute Security BSides London conference talk that explores the thirteen pillars supporting modern society's daily operations. Dive into the complex world of operational technology (OT) systems spanning four generations, from pre-Internet hardware to contemporary implementations. Explore the fundamental components of ICS, from hardware architecture to communication protocols, and understand how these systems interact within industrial environments. Discover the research methodologies employed using physical testbeds and digital twins to safely study and assess these critical systems. Examine the vulnerabilities present in industrial control systems, learn essential protection strategies against malicious actors, and understand the interconnected nature of CNI sectors and their potential cascade effects. Gain valuable insights into the infrastructure that powers our modern world and the cybersecurity challenges faced in protecting these essential systems.