Thursday 25 September 2025
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) has transformed the way industries operate, but it’s also created a new attack surface for malicious hackers. Industrial Control Systems (ICS), which control critical infrastructure like power grids and water treatment plants, are particularly vulnerable to cyber threats. To combat this issue, researchers have developed honeypots, decoy systems that mimic real-world ICS environments to detect and analyze attacks.
However, traditional honeypots often lack the realism needed to engage sophisticated adversaries. That’s where ICSLure comes in – a modular honeynet framework designed to emulate realistic ICS environments. The system combines physical Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) interacting with live data sources via industrial protocols like Modbus and Profinet RTU, along with virtualized network components such as routers, switches, and Remote Terminal Units (RTUs).
By integrating these real-world elements, ICSLure creates a high-fidelity environment that mimics the complexity of an actual industrial plant. This allows researchers to collect detailed logs of attacker interactions, providing valuable insights into ICS-specific attack strategies.
The framework’s modularity makes it easy to customize and adapt to various industrial scenarios. Users can configure different components, such as PLCs and network devices, to mimic specific industrial environments. This flexibility enables researchers to test and analyze different types of attacks, helping them develop more effective detection and mitigation techniques.
ICSLure’s potential applications go beyond research – it could also be used in industry-specific testing and training exercises. Imagine being able to simulate a realistic industrial plant attack scenario, allowing operators to practice responding to threats in a controlled environment. This kind of training can help reduce the risk of real-world attacks and improve incident response times.
The development of ICSLure highlights the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in addressing the unique challenges posed by IIoT security. As industries increasingly rely on connected devices, it’s crucial that we develop innovative solutions to detect and deter cyber threats. By creating more realistic honeypots like ICSLure, researchers can help ensure the safety and reliability of critical infrastructure.
ICSLure’s modular design makes it an attractive option for researchers and industry professionals alike. Its ability to simulate a wide range of industrial scenarios provides valuable insights into ICS-specific attack strategies, helping to improve detection and mitigation techniques. As the IIoT continues to grow, solutions like ICSLure will play a critical role in protecting our infrastructure from cyber threats.
Cite this article: “Realistic Industrial Honeypot Framework: Emulating Complex ICS Environments for Enhanced Security”, The Science Archive, 2025.
Industrial, Internet Of Things, Honeypot, Industrial Control Systems, Cybersecurity, Iiot Security, Modbus, Profinet Rtu, Programmable Logic Controllers, Plcs
