Industrial automation and control systems (IACS) are crucial for the effective functioning of various industries such as energy, transportation, healthcare and manufacturing. IACS consist of complex networks of machines, devices and software applications that control, monitor and automate critical processes. Compromises or data breaches in these systems can result in significant economic losses, risks to public safety and security, and potential threats to national security. Protecting critical infrastructure, manufacturing processes and sensitive data is therefore a top priority for companies worldwide. Industrial cybersecurity is therefore a research topic that requires extensive attention.
Cybersecurity for industrial automation and control systems must take into account industryspecific requirements such as real-time communication, system longevity and functional safety. In these respects, it differs significantly from cybersecurity in office environments or when operating internet servers in data centers. In an industrial context, traditional cybersecurity measures such as software updates, antivirus programs or firewalls cannot therefore be used without restriction. For this reason, new strategies and methods must be developed to protect industrial automation and control systems.
Fraunhofer IOSB plays a leading role in research on IACS. One of the central topics is the Cybersecurity Training Lab with the consortia “Industrial Production” and “Security for the Energy and Water Industry”. Practical scenarios and laboratories are created here to test innovative approaches and offer practical training courses. As part of the Competence Center for Applied Security Technology (KASTEL), Fraunhofer IOSB, in collaboration with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, focuses on the research and development of security solutions for industrial systems with the aim of strengthening the security and resilience of IACS against cyber threats. In addition, the self-financed project CyReM-ICS (cyber resilience monitoring in industrial automation and control systems) focuses on the development of methods and tools for the presentation and improvement of cyber resilience in industrial control systems. It is pursuing a holistic approach that includes preventive and reactive measures.
Through these initiatives, Fraunhofer IOSB makes a decisive contribution to the further development of security standards and innovative solutions in industry and research.
Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation IOSB 