What is a common cybersecurity control employed in Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS)?

Firewalls are a fundamental cybersecurity control used in Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) to safeguard network boundaries and control the flow of data. They function by establishing predefined rules to allow or deny traffic based on various criteria, such as IP address, protocol, and port number. In the context of IACS, firewalls can segregate different parts of the network, thereby limiting exposure to potential attacks and unauthorized access. This is particularly important in IACS environments where operational technology (OT) often interfaces with information technology (IT) systems, as it helps prevent threats from propagating between these different domains.

While other options like antivirus software, intrusion detection systems, and data loss prevention tools are also important in overall cybersecurity strategies, they serve different specific purposes. Antivirus software primarily protects endpoints from malware but may not be as effective at controlling network traffic directly. Intrusion Detection Systems focus on monitoring the network for suspicious activities and providing alerts, which is vital for incident response but does not inherently prevent unauthorized access like firewalls do. Data Loss Prevention tools are designed to protect sensitive data from being misused or exfiltrated but do not directly manage network traffic or access controls. Thus, firewalls are particularly central to the defense strategy in IACS environments.