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Application & OT Security · Foundational

Industrial Control System (ICS)

A general term for control systems (SCADA, DCS, PLC-based systems) used to operate industrial processes.

Definition

ICS components include sensors and actuators, controllers (PLCs, RTUs), HMIs, engineering workstations and historians, connected by industrial protocols. Security guidance includes NIST SP 800-82 and IEC 62443.

Example

A chemical plant's DCS, safety system and HMIs together form its ICS.

Exam tip

ICS is the umbrella term; SCADA and DCS are types of ICS.

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