ICS Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield ICS facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. How should security incidents be handled? → Following an established incident response plan with documentation
2. Why is documentation critical in compliance efforts? → Supports audits and accountability
3. Which factor is most important when determining treatment frequency? → Evidence-based clinical guidelines and patient response
4. What is the impact of denial-of-service (DoS) attacks on ICS? → Loss of system availability
5. How should a Industrial Control Systems Security professional handle situations beyond their expertise? → Refer to a qualified specialist and communicate transparently with the client
6. Which framework provides a common language for managing cybersecurity risk? → NIST Cybersecurity Framework
7. How should treatment protocols be modified for patients with comorbidities? → Adjust parameters based on individual risk factors and contraindications
8. What is the primary purpose of maintaining accurate professional documentation? → To create a legal record of services and support continuity of care
9. What is the significance of professional networking in the Industrial Control Systems Security field? → It facilitates knowledge exchange, referrals, and collaborative problem-solving
10. Which standard focuses specifically on control system cybersecurity? → ISA/IEC 62443
11. In OT security, which property is typically prioritized above the traditional IT security triad? → Availability
12. Which vulnerability is created by using shared or default passwords? → Credential reuse
13. Which metrics are most important for a comprehensive monitoring strategy? → Availability, performance, error rates, and resource utilization
14. Why are ICS networks often more vulnerable than traditional IT networks? → They rely on outdated, unpatched systems
15. Which authentication method provides the strongest security? → Multi-factor authentication combining different verification types
16. Which documentation practice best supports legal defensibility? → Objective, factual entries with specific measurements and timestamps
17. What should be done if an error is discovered in existing records? → Draw a single line through the error, note the correction, date, and initial
18. What is a common result of a successful ICS cyberattack? → Operational disruption or damage
19. The Purdue Model (also known as PERA) is used in ICS security to: → Establish a hierarchical reference model for organizing ICS network segments into levels
20. How soon after a service or session should documentation be completed? → As soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours
21. Why is staying current with industry developments important for Industrial Control Systems Security professionals? → To provide the best possible service using current knowledge and practices
22. What is the appropriate retention period for professional records? → As specified by state/federal law and professional licensing requirements
23. What role does asset inventory play in risk management? → Identifies critical assets to protect
24. Which regulation governs critical infrastructure cybersecurity in the U.S.? → NERC CIP
25. Which cyberweapon specifically targeted Siemens S7-series PLCs and caused physical damage to uranium enrichment centrifuges? → Stuxnet
26. What role does documentation play in Industrial Control Systems Security professional practice? → It creates accountability, supports decision-making, and provides legal protection
27. How should security incidents be handled? → Following an established incident response plan with documentation
28. What is a common technique used in risk mitigation for ICS environments? → Segment the network
29. Which ICS-specific malware targeted the Ukrainian power grid in 2015 and 2016, causing widespread blackouts? → BlackEnergy / Industroyer
30. Which layer of the OSI model does the TCP protocol operate on? → Transport