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Intrusion Detection Systems in Industrial Control Systems: Landscape, Challenges and Opportunities

Tong Wu, Dawei Zhou, Qingyu Ou^*, Fang Luo

Department of Information Security, Naval University of Engineering, Wuhan, 430000, China

* Corresponding Author: Qingyu Ou. Email:

Computers, Materials & Continua 2026, 86(3), 4 https://doi.org/10.32604/cmc.2025.073482

Received 18 September 2025; Accepted 13 November 2025; Issue published 12 January 2026

Abstract

The increasing interconnection of modern industrial control systems (ICSs) with the Internet has enhanced operational efficiency, but also made these systems more vulnerable to cyberattacks. This heightened exposure has driven a growing need for robust ICS security measures. Among the key defences, intrusion detection technology is critical in identifying threats to ICS networks. This paper provides an overview of the distinctive characteristics of ICS network security, highlighting standard attack methods. It then examines various intrusion detection methods, including those based on misuse detection, anomaly detection, machine learning, and specialised requirements. This paper concludes by exploring future directions for developing intrusion detection systems to advance research and ensure the continued security and reliability of ICS operations.

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Keywords

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