What is the Purdue Model?

The Purdue Model is a framework used to structure and secure industrial control systems. It divides operational technology (OT) networks into layers based on their function, from sensors and devices to control and business systems.

What is the Purdue Model used for?

The model helps organizations organize industrial networks and define clear security zones. This makes it easier to control communication between systems and reduce cybersecurity risk.

How does the Purdue Model work?

The Purdue Model divides industrial environments into hierarchical levels, commonly from Level 0 to Level 5. Each level represents different systems, such as sensors, control systems, monitoring platforms, and enterprise IT.

Why is the Purdue Model important for cybersecurity?

By separating systems into zones and levels, critical industrial processes can be isolated from other parts of the network. This limits how far an attacker can move inside the infrastructure.

How is the Purdue Model used in incident response?

When a cybersecurity incident occurs in an OT environment, the model helps identify which level is affected. This allows security teams to analyze the event and apply targeted mitigation measures.

Purdue

What is Purdue?

The Purdue Model is a framework for structuring and securing industrial control systems (ICS). It divides networks into zones based on functional tiers (e.g., sensors, control, monitoring).

Imagine a building with distinct security zones – only authorized personnel access specific areas.

Sicra and Purdue

Sicra uses the Purdue Model to identify vulnerabilities and where an incident are happening in the OT environment. We can also use the Purdue model to implement targeted improvements.

Services

Sicra SOC - Security Operation Center

Sicra NOC - Network Operation Center

CISO-for-hire

OT security maturity assessment

Need Assistance?

We are happy to have a non-binding conversation.