2025 Spring Meeting and 21st Global Congress on Process Safety
Prioritizing Cybersecurity Concerns during Distributed Control System (DCS) Updates
Updating a Distributed Control System (DCS) is a critical process that requires careful attention to cybersecurity to protect against evolving threats. This paper outlines the key cybersecurity priorities that organizations should focus on during a DCS upgrade. It emphasizes the importance of conducting a comprehensive risk assessment to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities, implementing robust access control measures, and ensuring timely patch management. The paper also highlights the need for continuous monitoring, real-time threat detection, and a well-defined incident response plan. Additionally, it discusses the significance of employee training, vendor security assessments, and adherence to regulatory compliance and industry best practices. By prioritizing these cybersecurity concerns, organizations can enhance the resilience and security of their DCS, safeguarding their operations against potential cyber threats.