8.4.2025

Safe PLC development for cyber-resilient infrastructure

Automation Infrastructure and digitalization News Smart City Smart Mobility

Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are a critical part of many vital systems, such as power plants, electricity distribution, and traffic control. As PLCs become connected to broader networks, cyber risks multiply. So how do we ensure that smart infrastructure remains secure in this evolving threat landscape?

“With extensive expertise in automation and cybersecurity, we ensure that our customers receive functional and secure solutions”.
Petri Kauppinen, Head of Automation, Nodeon

To counter threats, cybersecurity must be considered already at the system design stage. This requires the following practical measures:

Secure programming: Software development must follow best practices, such as regular code reviews and comprehensive security audits before system deployment.

Updates and maintenance: Regular system updates are essential, as cyber threats evolve rapidly. This may include firmware updates for PLCs and replacing outdated protocols with modern ones. Maintenance must also take lifecycle planning into account: obsolete devices that are no longer supported must be replaced in a timely manner.

Continuous training: Expert knowledge is a critical link in the security chain. They must understand the fundamentals of cybersecurity and know how to act correctly in potential threat situations. This requires ongoing training and up-to-date information on risks and protection methods.

Compliance with standards: International standards define, among other things, cybersecurity requirements for industrial automation and control systems and provide guidelines for risk management and establishing an information security management system. Compliance with standards brings measurable benefits, such as a reduced attack surface and improved audit readiness.

Nodeon develops cybersecure smart infrastructure

“Now that systems are increasingly integrated into IT environments, information security and cybersecurity requirements are extending more strongly to the automation level in our projects as well. This highlights the role of a specialist company: with extensive expertise in automation and cybersecurity, we ensure that our customers receive functional and secure solutions,” summarizes Petri Kauppinen, Head of Automation at Nodeon.

By following best practices and standards-compliant processes, as well as fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we ensure secure solutions and operational continuity for our customers.

Read more about our automation design services