In the world of instrumentation, theoretical knowledge is like the wrench in your toolkit — it may seem insignificant, but when it fails, it can bring everything to a halt! Whether you’re preparing for an entry-level certification or simply aiming to strengthen your foundational knowledge for daily operations, the concepts of circuit diagrams, sensor principles, and troubleshooting are unavoidable. This series will continuously update, allowing you to tackle theoretical challenges while simultaneously building a solid foundation for hands-on practice. Even if you only have fragmented time, these small steps will help you gradually develop a strong, reliable skillset. For those of you who want to avoid detours and quickly identify gaps in your knowledge, let’s solidify these theoretical basics so you can approach your tasks with greater confidence!
What is Information Security? What is Network Security?
Information security refers to the protection of information systems — including hardware, software, data, physical environments, and infrastructure — from accidental or malicious damage, alteration, or leakage. The goal is to ensure the system runs reliably and continuously, with services remaining uninterrupted, thus enabling business continuity. Key characteristics of information security include confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Network security, on the other hand, focuses specifically on the protection of network systems, including the hardware, software, and data within the network. It aims to prevent the system from being disrupted by accidental or malicious causes. Key features of network security include availability, integrity, confidentiality, and auditability.
What is Critical Information Infrastructure?
Critical information infrastructure refers to information facilities that are crucial to national security and the economy. If these systems are compromised — through data leakage, destruction, or loss of functionality — it could seriously threaten national security and public interests.
Major Threats to Industrial Control Systems (ICS)
Penetration – Gaining unauthorized access to the system through various means.
Protocol Attacks – Exploiting vulnerabilities in industrial control system protocols such as Modbus, TCP/IP, DNP, and OPC.
Firmware Vulnerabilities – Attacks on industrial control system firmware, including remote control, buffer overflows, directory traversal, DLL hijacking, pointer manipulation, and script tampering.
Exploitation of System Vulnerabilities – Attacks utilizing zero-day vulnerabilities, cross-site scripting, injection flaws, and validation vulnerabilities.
Malicious Code Attacks – Deploying viruses, worms, Trojans, ransomware, and other forms of malware.
What is a Computer Virus? What is a Trojan?
A computer virus is a set of instructions or code inserted into a software program with the aim of disrupting the system, corrupting data, and rendering the computer unusable. It has the ability to self-replicate.
A Trojan, on the other hand, is a type of malicious software that allows a remote attacker to control the victim’s machine. Unlike a virus, a Trojan does not replicate itself. It operates through a server-client model, where the server part needs to be run on the victim’s machine to fully take control.
What is a Vulnerability? What is a Zero-Day Vulnerability?
A vulnerability refers to a flaw in the hardware, software, or communication protocols of a computer system, which could be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access, control, or damage the system.
A zero-day vulnerability is a vulnerability that has been discovered but not yet patched by the vendor. These vulnerabilities are called “zero-day” because attackers have had “zero days” to exploit them before a fix is made available.
Types of Vulnerabilities in Industrial Control Systems
Operating System Vulnerabilities – Common flaws found in platforms such as Windows or Linux.
Communication Protocol Vulnerabilities – Issues within protocols commonly used in industrial control systems, such as Modbus, TCP/IP, DNP, and OPC.
Firmware Vulnerabilities – Flaws in the firmware of industrial control system hardware.
Application Software Vulnerabilities – Bugs in human-machine interfaces, real-time and historical databases, and specific application software.
Security Policy and Management Vulnerabilities – Weaknesses in areas such as authentication, patch management, virus database management, and remote access policies.