Industrial Cybersecurity and Cabling Infrastructure are of vital importance for modern Operational Technology (OT) and Control Systems. While traditionally only IT (Information Technology) systems were seen as targets for cyberattacks, today, PLCs, SCADA systems, and production lines in critical infrastructure projects have become the focus of cyber threats. The data cables used in an industrial facility not only transmit digital signals but also form the first line of defense against physical and electromagnetic (EM) attacks. Correct planning of the cabling infrastructure protects the long-term investment value of the system and ensures production continuity (uptime).
In this comprehensive guide, we will examine the relationship between Industrial Cybersecurity and Cabling Infrastructure, the physical and electrical security measures that must be taken in cabling against cyber threats, and the special solutions offered by Prysmian and 2M Kablo.
The Two Critical Roles of Cabling in Cybersecurity
Cabling plays a determining role in two fundamental areas of industrial cybersecurity: Physical Security and Data Integrity.
1. Physical Security
A large portion of cybersecurity breaches begin through unauthorized physical access to the facility. The cabling infrastructure must prevent this situation:
- Unauthorized Access: Keeping cables and patch panels within locked cabinets makes physical connection to the network more difficult.
- Sabotage Prevention: Routing cables through closed and secure carrying systems, such as STS Cable Trays, instead of visible areas, prevents attempts at cutting or tapping.
2. Data Integrity and EMI/RFI Protection
Industrial environments are full of sources of high EM noise, such as motors and welding machines. This noise can corrupt signals in the data cable (EMI/RFI), which could cause the PLC to receive incorrect commands. This situation creates an operational vulnerability even without a cyberattack.
- Shielding: Using dual-shielded data cables like Cat 6 S/FTP prevents external electromagnetic interference from corrupting data integrity. Prysmian’s high-performance industrial Ethernet cable solutions maximize this protection.
Advanced Protection with Prysmian and 2M Kablo
The product range of Prysmian and 2M Kablo guarantees both physical durability and electromagnetic protection in demanding industrial environments.
- Armoured Cables: Protecting data cables in industrial facilities and critical infrastructure areas with steel wire armor (SWA) prevents rodent damage, mechanical impacts, and intentional cutting attempts. This enhances the physical network security of the facility.
- Fire Safety Integration: To prevent a cyber event from turning into a physical event (e.g., fire caused by overload), the use of halogen-free cable (HFFR) and fire-resistant cable (FE180) is mandatory. 2M Kablo‘s HFFR and fire safety solutions support both life safety and the facility’s cybersecurity.
Long-Term Investment with Correct Planning
The integration of Industrial Cybersecurity and Cabling Infrastructure starts in the design phase.
- Network Segmentation: Physically separating control systems (OT) from the corporate network (IT) using different data cables and routers narrows the spread area of a cyberattack.
- Grounding Quality: The effective operation of shielded cables depends on a correct, low-resistance grounding system. Poor grounding nullifies the effectiveness of the shielding. Sources like the Prysmian Technical Guide detail the correct installation methods.
Integrated Cybersecurity Solutions with Deltatema
At Deltatema, we are not just a cable supplier, but also the guarantee of your project’s first security layer.
- Integrated Supply: For the critical infrastructure needs of your project, we offer both the reliability of 2M Kablo and the international quality Ethernet cable solutions of Prysmian. The integrated products in our product range increase your facility’s resilience against cyber threats.
- Technical Consulting: Our goal is for your system to operate at the highest security standards, providing technical support in network design and the routing of data cables. We are with you at every stage of your project with our expert consulting services.
Conclusion
Industrial Cybersecurity and Cabling Infrastructure are a whole. Every physical measure taken, from using halogen-free cable to proper shielding techniques, strengthens your cyber defense. By choosing the quality of Prysmian and 2M Kablo, you secure the long-term investment value and data integrity of your facility.
