OT Glossary
Not sure what a term or acronym means? You’re in the right place. This glossary is your go-to guide for understanding the key terms and acronyms used in OT cybersecurity. Whether it's a protocol, standard, or security concept, we’ve broken it down to help make your training smoother and more approachable. Looking for a term we don't have? Let us know!
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EthernetThe ubiquitous networking technology used for LANs (Local Area Networks). In OT, Ethernet has become common at higher levels of control systems (like connecting PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA servers), gradually replacing older serial links. Standard Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) wasn’t originally designed for real-time industrial needs, but newer standards and industrial protocols (Profinet, EtherNet/IP) have adapted it for factory use. | |
EtherNet/IPENIP Confusingly, the "IP" here stands for Industrial Protocol, not Internet Protocol like you might think. It is the version of CIP encapsulated by Ethernet. This allows PLCs, drives, sensors, etc., particularly in Allen-Bradley/Rockwell ecosystems, to communicate on an Ethernet network for real-time control. | |
EWSEngineering workstation A computer (often a PC) used by engineers to configure, program, and troubleshoot ICS devices like PLCs, DCS controllers, or RTUs. The EWS typically runs vendor-specific software (for example, PLC programming tools or HMI configuration suites) and is usually connected to the control network. Because it can change the behavior of the process (by downloading new logic or settings), an engineering workstation is a high-impact asset to secure – an attacker who compromises it could alter the process. It’s often only used by authorized control engineers and may sit in the control room or engineering office. To maintain compatibility with legacy equipment, it can be running obsolete Windows versions. | |