TechKnowSurge
CompTIA Security+ 3.1
InteractiveSecurityFree

One ICS, or Several Systems?

One control system, or several? Sort each card as one industrial control system or several systems that make up operational technology. Land five in a row.

⚑ Complete this interactive to capture a CTF flag worth 5 points.

About this interactive

Operational technology (OT) is the umbrella: all the technology that supports an organization's operations. An industrial control system (ICS) is the hardware, software and networking used to control, monitor and automate industrial processes. An organization may run one ICS for its HVAC, one for a factory line, one for access control, and others besides. Together, they make up its OT. SCADA, distributed control systems (DCS) and PLC-based systems are kinds of ICS. One ICS can be large. NIST SP 800-82 describes a single SCADA system supervising a whole pipeline or water network, and a single DCS running a whole refinery. Size does not make it OT; it is still one system. To sort a card, count the separate systems it describes. One system, however much it runs, is an ICS. Two or more separate systems are part of the organization's OT.

What you'll learn

Aligned to

CompTIA Security+
3.1 Compare and contrast security implications of different architecture models.

Key terms

Operational Technology
OT
Operational Technology refers to hardware and software systems that monitor and control physical devices, processes, and infrastructure in industrial and critical environments, requiring specialized security approaches distinct from traditional IT.
Industrial Control System
ICS
Industrial Control System is a broad category of control systems used in industrial production and critical infrastructure, including SCADA systems and PLCs; ICS security focuses on protecting physical processes from cyber threats with minimal downtime tolerance.
Distributed Control System
DCS
Distributed Control System is an industrial process control architecture used in manufacturing and utilities; securing DCS is critical to operational technology safety and physical process integrity.
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
SCADA
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition is a system architecture used in critical infrastructure to collect sensor data and issue real-time control commands; SCADA security failures can result in physical damage to industrial equipment and facilities.

Topics

Interactive Streak Sort

About TechKnowSurge

TechKnowSurge builds IT and cybersecurity professionals through hands-on, concept-first training built around real understanding — not memorization. Free interactive tools, structured programs, and 25+ years of real-world experience, all in one place.

Explore free tools and programs →