Cybersecurity Best Practices for Protecting DCS and PLC Systems in 2026
Continual growth of digital technology has resulted in an increase in cyberattacks targeting DCS & PLC instrumentation in NC. The year 2026 has brought about exponential advances towards interconnectivity through remote monitoring, cloud-based automation & "Smart Factor". As such, the potential for a cyber breach that impacts production, safety, or financial loss will continue to grow. In order to remain successful, companies must implement best-practice cybersecurity standards designed explicitly for Operational Technology (OT) environments.
Strengthening Network Segmentation and Access Control
To ensure proper separation between OT systems & IT systems, all OT systems should be placed on separate VLANs with communication between them restricted to monitored and controlled (VLAN dedicated) channels. The implementation of Zero Trust Access Controls is now critical; all users, devices, and applications must be authenticated before accessing any of the company's critical systems. Additional security measures include the use of Multifactor Authentication (MFA), Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), and encrypted remote access, which reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Regular audits and identity governance tools should automate tracking of user access updates to ensure that all users have current privileges.
Implementing Real-Time Threat Detection and Patch Management
Cybersecurity threats targeting industrial systems continue to grow more sophisticated. Attackers now have at their disposal artificial intelligence (AI) driven malware and reconnaissance tools capable of bypassing traditional firewalls. To protect against these emerging threats in 2026, industrial companies will need to leverage AI technology to provide real-time anomaly detection capabilities for anomaly detection in Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). These anomaly detection systems will continuously learn and adapt to the industry’s normal processes, making it easy for them to identify when there may be an attack taking place.
Securing DCS and PLC systems in 2026 requires a sound strategy, blending next-generation technologies with sound policies and trained personnel. Building secure networks, having the ability to detect real-time threats to those networks, and developing human and physical factors are essential elements of a resilient automation environment capable of remaining secure against future cyber threats.

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