Latest Cybersecurity Technical Articles

Categories

Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 4: Connecting MQTT Client to Broker

Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 4: Connecting MQTT Client to Broker

Continuing the real-world IIoT project, learn how to begin integrating the Raspberry Pi with the Mosquitto Broker and understand Docker networks and port binding.


Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 2: Testing The Data Payload

Create Your Own IIoT Tech Stack Project | Part 2: Testing The Data Payload

Learn to develop an actual IoT solution end to end. This second article explains configuration files, testing the edge device publisher script, and viewing the payload using a sandbox subscriber script.


Creating and Using a Virtual Environment in Python

Creating and Using a Virtual Environment in Python

An overview of the theory, implementation, and reason to utilize a virtual environment in your Python scripting journey.


Managing Program Versions: Use Git to Commit and Track Files

Managing Program Versions: Use Git to Commit and Track Files

If you’re working collaboratively with teams in a corporate industrial setting and require a version control system for critical software or documents, Git is a must-have in your skillset.


Ethernet Ports on Controllers: How Many, and What do They Do?

Ethernet Ports on Controllers: How Many, and What do They Do?

Some controllers and network devices have one port, while others have two. Why is there a difference, and what advantages does having two network ports actually provide?


How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 1

How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 1

A walkthrough and discussion of a simple web-based HMI solution that could modernize your current HMI technology stack. The first step in the process involves sending data from a device to a server.


How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 4

How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 4

Refining and integrating a front-end HMI application to an API middle layer with real-time data display and historian capabilities for short-term data visualization.


How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 3

How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 3

Learn the first steps in focusing on the integration of a front-end HMI application to an API middle layer.


How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 2

How to Design and Deploy a Web-Based HMI Project - Part 2

The middle layer, or API layer of a custom-built HMI project involves a server that can submit or receive data to and from a device, either to provide the user interface or interact with the machine.


Industrial Wireless Technology: Communication and Programming

Industrial Wireless Technology: Communication and Programming

Wireless technology is typically slower to adoption for industrial automation, but what wireless advancements are shaping the current and future landscape of the automated factory floor?


Virtual LAN for IT/OT Nodes in Industrial Control Systems

Virtual LAN for IT/OT Nodes in Industrial Control Systems

Virtual networks can connect or isolate various local control networks through configuration of a managed switch. Why would we use VLANs, and how can you segment a network switch to create a VLAN?


Disaster Recovery Plan and Strategy in Case of IT/OT Equipment Failure

Disaster Recovery Plan and Strategy in Case of IT/OT Equipment Failure

Failures are never the goal of any industrial operation. But when disaster strikes, it’s always better to have a mitigation plan in place well in advance of the event to ensure timely recovery.


A Hands-on Walkthrough of MQTT Protocol Using the paho-mqtt Open Source Library

A Hands-on Walkthrough of MQTT Protocol Using the paho-mqtt Open Source Library

No more IIoT buzzwords! This article aims to walk through an implementation of MQTT using the paho-mqtt library using nothing more than your local machine and some simple Python programming.


Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems

Cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems

Cybersecurity is all about processes and people. A lot of threats can be mitigated through technology, but only if people understand how cybersecurity affects control systems and related technology.


Addressing Common Industrial IoT Cybersecurity Risks For Control Systems

Addressing Common Industrial IoT Cybersecurity Risks For Control Systems

Addressing cybersecurity threats introduced by IIoT technology and devices can quickly seem overwhelming. However, an understanding of the risks can lead to some straightforward countermeasures.


Introduction to Network Routers for Industrial Applications

Introduction to Network Routers for Industrial Applications

Network routers are designed to route and pass information between a system of connected computers and devices. Learn about the role of routers in industrial applications and how to properly maintain them.


Introduction to Servers for Industrial Applications

Introduction to Servers for Industrial Applications

Servers are vital to the flow of information in and around organizations, acting as a hub for information transfer and storage. Learn about the role of servers in industry and the potential challenges that come with maintaining them.


Examples of IIoT Applications

Examples of IIoT Applications

By shaping new concepts and business models, the IIoT is bringing more efficiency and capacity to automated systems. Take a look at some of the ways the IIoT is revolutionizing the manufacturing and automation sectors. 


Cloud Computing and the Industrial Internet of Things

Cloud Computing and the Industrial Internet of Things

Over the last decade, cloud service providers have improved technology, particularly data security and integrity. These remain the top concern of many manufacturing businesses, but as improvements are rolled out, more and more companies are adopting cloud solutions. 


Blockchain in Industrial Control Systems and Implications for Engineers

Blockchain in Industrial Control Systems and Implications for Engineers

Blockchain recording can reduce risks associated with data transactions such as data theft and erroneous information. But what implications, if any, does blockchain hold for industrial control system engineers?