\n\nA critical truth for industrial security communication has emerged: in industrial communication, security depends not only on protocols but also on how these protocols are implemented and managed in a real-world environment.\n\nThe Industrial Security Harmonization Group (ISHG) has published a joint statement regarding this approach. ISHG brings together leading industrial organizations such as FieldComm Group, ODVA, OPC Foundation, and PROFIBUS & PROFINET International to work on harmonizing security concepts in Ethernet and non-Ethernet protocols. The goal is to reduce complexity and promote effective cybersecurity practices in industrial automation systems.\n\n### Industrial Communication Protocols and Security\n\nCommunication protocols, the backbone of modern automation, provide seamless connectivity between devices, systems, and applications. However, most commonly used protocols were designed without cybersecurity as a priority.\n\nISHG emphasizes that simply classifying protocols as \"secure\" or \"insecure\" is insufficient. Security depends on:\n\n
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- The context in which protocols are used and how they are configured,\n
- The conditions of the environment in which they are implemented,\n
- Environmental and operational factors.\n
\n\nAdditionally:\n\n
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- The inherent security features of protocols alone are not enough.\n
- Correct implementation and continuous maintenance are essential.\n
- Complementary measures such as network architecture, segmentation (zones and conduits), monitoring, and physical safeguards are vital, especially in legacy and non-Ethernet systems.\n
\n\n### Regulatory Compliance and Practical Approaches\n\nThis approach is also consistent with new regulations such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), affecting both hardware and software products, and NIS2, covering operational assets and organizations.\n\n### ISHG Presentation at Hannover Messe 2026\n\nISHG will present these important insights to the industry at Hannover Messe 2026, providing guidance on how to effectively protect industrial communication systems.\n\n### About ISHG\n\nThe Industrial Security Harmonization Group (ISHG) is a joint initiative of leading communication organizations such as FieldComm Group, ODVA, OPC Foundation, and PROFIBUS & PROFINET International. Their goal is to harmonize security practices across different communication technologies and simplify cybersecurity for users.
