Which type of security encryption do Industrial Automation and Control Systems use?

Question

Options

• AAdvanced Encryption Standard
• BInternational Data Encryption Algorithm
• CData Encryption Standard
• DRSA encryption

• A
  89% (17)
• B
  5% (1)
• C
  5% (1)

Explanation

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is the encryption algorithm mandated for Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) by the IEC 62443 security standard, which governs industrial cybersecurity. AES offers the strength, efficiency, and flexibility (128/192/256-bit keys) required to protect operational technology environments without introducing unacceptable latency.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• B (IDEA): The International Data Encryption Algorithm is an older 128-bit cipher used mainly in legacy PGP email encryption - it was never adopted as an IACS standard.
• C (DES): The Data Encryption Standard uses only a 56-bit key, was broken in 1999, and is now considered cryptographically obsolete - far too weak for critical infrastructure.
• D (RSA): RSA is an asymmetric algorithm used for key exchange and digital signatures, not for bulk data encryption; IACS systems rely on symmetric encryption like AES for performance-sensitive communications.

Memory tip: Think "AES = Automation Encryption Standard" - the only option with the right combination of modern strength, symmetry, and industrial-standard backing (IEC 62443).

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