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Application & OT Security · Advanced

OPC Unified Architecture (OPC UA)

A platform-independent, service-oriented industrial interoperability standard (IEC 62541) with built-in security features.

Definition

Unlike classic OPC (DCOM-based), OPC UA supports authentication with user credentials or X.509 certificates, signing and encryption of messages and fine-grained authorization. It is common in Industry 4.0 and IT/OT integration. Security must be configured, as the 'None' security policy is allowed.

Example

An MES system subscribes to PLC data via OPC UA with the SignAndEncrypt security mode.

Exam tip

OPC UA has security built in, but SecurityPolicy None must be disabled.

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