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ISA Launches Advanced OT Cybersecurity Training for Industrial Automation at 2025 Automation Summit

12 Apr
03

ISA Announces Two Exclusive OT Cybersecurity Training Courses at the 2025 Automation Summit & Expo ISA Announces Two Exclusive OT Cybersecurity Training Courses at the 2025 Automation Summit & Expo

Enhancing Industrial Cybersecurity Knowledge

The International Society of Automation (ISA) will offer two specialized OT cybersecurity courses at the 2025 Automation Summit & Expo in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. These classes provide industrial automation professionals with practical skills to secure PLC, DCS, and control systems against cyber threats.

Course 1: Securing Control Systems with ISA/IEC 62443

The first course, Using the ISA/IEC 62443 Standards to Secure Your Control Systems (IC32), teaches participants how to implement internationally recognized cybersecurity standards. Engineers learn risk assessment, security management, and best practices for applying robust protections across industrial control systems.

Course 2: Assessing Cybersecurity of IACS Systems

The second course, Assessing the Cybersecurity of New and Existing IACS Systems (IC33), focuses on evaluating industrial automation and control systems (IACS). Attendees learn to identify vulnerabilities, conduct thorough security assessments, and implement mitigation strategies for both new and legacy systems.

Hands-On Training and Practical Insights

Both courses offer immersive, expert-led instruction over October 8–9. Participants gain real-world skills to assess risk, strengthen control systems, and enhance factory automation resilience. These classes complement attendees’ knowledge of PLCs, DCS, and overall industrial automation cybersecurity strategies.

Flexible Registration Options

Attendees can register for these training courses independently of conference registration. Training fees are separate, and participants select courses via the “Training Registration Options” drop-down menu in the event registration form. This flexibility allows professionals to focus specifically on skills most relevant to their roles.

About the Automation Summit & Expo

ISA’s Automation Summit & Expo (ASE) is a premier event showcasing industrial automation innovation. Taking place at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort from October 5–7, ASE offers sessions on PLC, DCS, and factory automation trends. Attendees explore how automation transforms industries while networking with peers and industry experts.

Why Cybersecurity Training Matters for Industrial Automation

Industrial control systems increasingly face cyber threats that can disrupt factory automation and compromise critical infrastructure. By completing these ISA OT cybersecurity courses, engineers and managers can proactively secure control systems, reduce operational risk, and enhance reliability across industrial operations.

Application Scenarios for Industrial Automation

  1. Factory Automation Security: Protect PLCs and DCS from unauthorized access and malware.
  2. Control System Risk Assessment: Evaluate new and existing IACS systems to identify vulnerabilities.
  3. Operational Continuity: Integrate best practices from ISA/IEC 62443 to maintain secure, resilient production.
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Categories: News

Ransomware Trends in Industrial Automation: August Sees Slight Decline

06 Apr
05

Report: Ransomware Decreased by 13% in August Report: Ransomware Decreased by 13% in August

Industrial Automation Systems Remain a Prime Target

Ransomware attacks have stayed below 500 for five consecutive months, highlighting ongoing cyber risks for industrial automation. August recorded 328 incidents, a 13% decrease from July. However, these numbers remain comparable to the same period last year, signaling that PLCs, DCS, and control systems still face persistent threats.

Top Affected Sectors in Factory Automation

The industrial sector suffered most in August, with 121 attacks, up 10% from July, representing 37% of global incidents. Consumer Discretionary followed with 66 attacks, and Information Technology systems had 31 attacks. Notably, the breach of Miljödata, which manages IT for 80% of Swedish municipalities, disrupted HR operations across 200 local governments, showing how attacks can cascade through automation-dependent operations.

Regional Distribution of Cyber Threats

North America and Europe experienced over 81% of all ransomware events, while Asia accounted for 9% and South America 4%. This distribution reflects where industrial automation and factory automation networks are most concentrated. Organizations in these regions must prioritize cyber resilience, particularly for control systems and PLC networks.

Rising Threat from Qilin and Other Groups

Qilin led ransomware activity in August with 16% of attacks (53 incidents), climbing from joint second place in July. Safepay and Akira also maintained high activity, with 26 and 43 attacks, respectively. These organized groups increasingly target industrial automation infrastructure, demonstrating sophisticated planning and coordination.

Collaborative Attacks Using Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)

Scattered Spider exemplifies the trend of collaboration by leveraging RaaS operators like ALPHV, RansomHub, DragonForce, and Qilin. By outsourcing technical deployment, Scattered Spider focuses on advanced social engineering, increasing disruption across factory automation and control systems. Such alliances allow attackers to maintain operations even if law enforcement disables one group. Therefore, companies must consider coordinated threat scenarios when designing PLC and DCS security measures.

Geopolitical Tensions Influence Cyber Risks

Global trade friction, including US tariffs on Indian imports, may indirectly fuel cybercrime. Historically, industrial threat actors exploit political volatility to target international supply chains. Industrial automation networks, including factory control systems, remain vulnerable to attacks leveraging these geopolitical gaps.

Expert Insights on Cybersecurity in Industrial Environments

Matt Hull, Head of Threat Intelligence at NCC Group, emphasizes: “Even as monthly attack volumes appear moderate, the complexity of collaborative ransomware activity demands robust cyber resilience. Industrial automation systems require proactive defenses, integrating PLC, DCS, and factory network protections.” Implementing continuous monitoring and employee awareness programs can reduce operational risks.

Application Scenarios in Industrial Automation

Industrial facilities can adopt layered cybersecurity measures for PLCs and DCS networks. This includes network segmentation, endpoint monitoring, and secure remote access protocols. Factories employing automation should also integrate incident response drills, simulating ransomware attacks to ensure operational continuity.
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Categories: News

Mitsubishi Electric to Acquire Nozomi Networks, Strengthening Industrial Cybersecurity for Automation and Control Systems

07 Feb
37

Mitsubishi Electric to Acquire Nozomi Networks to Improve Industrial Cyber Defenses Mitsubishi Electric to Acquire Nozomi Networks to Improve Industrial Cyber Defenses

Strategic Acquisition Accelerates Industrial Automation Security

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Nozomi Networks, a global leader in OT, IoT, and CPS cybersecurity. Therefore, this move signals a deeper commitment to securing industrial automation, PLC, DCS, and control systems worldwide. After closing, Nozomi Networks will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary while retaining operational independence.

Building on an Established Partnership in OT and IoT Security

This acquisition builds on a strong existing relationship. In March 2024, Mitsubishi Electric joined Nozomi Networks’ USD 100 million Series E funding round. Moreover, both companies have already collaborated on technology development and go-to-market initiatives, reducing integration risks and strengthening execution confidence.

Expanding AI-Powered, Cloud-First Cybersecurity Capabilities

Nozomi Networks brings an AI-driven, cloud-first cybersecurity software platform with proven scalability. As a result, Mitsubishi Electric gains advanced threat detection, network visibility, and contextual analytics tailored for industrial control systems. These capabilities align closely with modern factory automation and critical infrastructure protection needs.

Leveraging Deep Industrial Automation Experience

Mitsubishi Electric contributes more than a century of expertise in industrial automation, energy systems, transportation, and building technologies. In addition, its global presence enhances Nozomi’s ability to scale cybersecurity solutions across diverse OT environments, including legacy PLC and DCS architectures.

Shared Vision for Data-Driven Cyber Defense

Both companies emphasize the value of OT and IoT data combined with artificial intelligence. However, the real strength lies in context-aware security. By understanding industrial processes, control logic, and operational baselines, cybersecurity tools can deliver more accurate detection and faster incident response.

Commitment to Customers, Partners, and Open Ecosystems

Nozomi Networks will maintain its brand, leadership team, and partner-first business model. Therefore, customers can expect continuity across product roadmaps, integrations, and third-party ecosystem support. This approach is critical for heterogeneous industrial environments where multi-vendor compatibility remains essential.

Leadership Perspectives on Digital Transformation and Resilience

Mitsubishi Electric leadership highlights the opportunity to co-create new digital services that improve security, efficiency, and operational resilience. Similarly, Nozomi Networks’ executive team stresses that daily customer engagement will remain unchanged, reinforcing trust during the transition.

Closing Timeline and Global Operations Continuity

The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025. Upon completion, Nozomi Networks will keep its headquarters in San Francisco, with research and development continuing in Mendrisio, Switzerland. As a result, global innovation pipelines and customer support structures remain stable.

Industry Analysis: Why This Deal Matters for Control Systems

From an industry perspective, this acquisition reflects a broader trend. Industrial automation vendors increasingly integrate cybersecurity directly into control systems. In practice, tighter alignment between automation engineering and security operations reduces downtime, improves compliance with standards like IEC 62443, and strengthens cyber resilience.

Practical Applications and Solution Scenarios

In real-world deployments, manufacturers can combine Mitsubishi Electric automation platforms with Nozomi’s OT security to monitor PLC traffic, detect anomalous control commands, and protect DCS networks. Utilities can apply the same approach to secure substations and grid control systems, while transportation operators can improve visibility across signaling and control networks.
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Categories: News
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