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Control

Generic Controller

Any device executing automated control logic where a more specific classification is not yet known.

High criticalityLevel 1

What it does

Holds the control algorithm between measurement and actuation.

Typically locatedAnywhere in the control layer.

At a glance

PurdueLevel 1
CategoryControl
Protocolsmodbus-tcp, ethernet-ip, profinet
Talks toSensors, Actuators, Supervisory systems
Common vendorsMultiple

Why should I care?

Generic Controller sits at Level 1. Compromise here is not just a data problem — it changes what the physical process does or what operators can see and control.

Common security problems

  • Unclassified assets are unmanaged assets

If it is compromised

  • Process manipulation

What to monitor

  • Protocol behaviour
  • Change events

How to defend it

  • Classify and inventory before designing controls