How does the principle of “separation of duties” enhance security in IACS?

The principle of "separation of duties" enhances security in Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) by distributing tasks among multiple individuals. This distribution is crucial in reducing the risk of fraud, error, or abuse of power. When no single individual has control over all aspects of a critical process or operation, it becomes significantly more challenging for any one person to carry out malicious activities without detection. For example, if the approval and execution of transactions are handled by different individuals, this creates a system of checks and balances.

Implementing separation of duties not only aims to prevent fraudulent actions by ensuring transparency and accountability but also minimizes the risk of accidental errors that might occur if one person were responsible for all tasks. Overall, this principle is a vital component of a robust security posture, reinforcing the integrity and reliability of IACS operations.