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Why Structured Text Programming in PLCs Creates Major OT Security Vulnerabilities

HackMoN Ai

5d ago· 9 min readenInsight

technology cybersecurity programming industrial automation

Summary

This article examines the cybersecurity risks introduced by the shift from traditional Ladder Logic programming of PLCs to IEC 61131-3 Structured Text (ST), a high-level, Pascal-like language. It argues that while ST brings power and flexibility to industrial automation, it also creates significant security blind spots in Operational Technology (OT) environments. The piece, tied to Zakhar Bernhardt's upcoming Labshock Masterclass, explores how software-defined controllers expand the attack surface and offers guidance on mitigating these emerging threats.

Source

bskyWhy Structured Text Programming in PLCs Creates Major OT Security Vulnerabilitiesundercodetesting.com

Key quotes

· 3 pulled

The industry's shift toward IEC 61131-3 Structured Text (ST)—a high-level, Pascal-like language—has transformed PLCs from simple relay replacements into sophisticated software-defined controllers.

This evolution brings immense power and flexibility, but as Zakhar Bernhardt's upcoming Labshock Masterclass makes clear, it also introduces significant security blind spots.

From Relay Logic to Software-Defined Mayhem: Why Structured Text Is OT's Biggest Security Blind Spot

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From Relay Logic to Software-Defined Mayhem: Why Structured Text Is OT’s Biggest Security Blind Spot (And How to Fix It) + Video - "Undercode Testing":

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