Workstation
Workstations are devices used by human operators or engineers to perform various configuration, programming, maintenance, diagnostic, or operational tasks. Workstations typically utilize standard desktop or laptop hardware and operating systems (e.g., MS Windows), but run dedicated control system applications or diagnostic/management software to support interfacing with the control servers or field devices. Some workstations have a fixed location within the network architecture, while others are transient devices that are directly connected to various field devices to support local management activities.
Related Assets
| Name | Sectors | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Transient Cyber Asset (TCA) | Electric |
A Transient Cyber Asset (TCA)[1] is a mobile workstation that is used to support management functions across multiple different networks, rather than being dedicated to any specific device/network. The TCA is often used to directly manage ICS environments that do not have any dedicated support for external remote access. Therefore, the TCA provides a mechanism for connectivity and file transfer to many networks/devices, even if they are segmented or "air gapped" from other networks. |
| Engineering Workstation (EWS) | General |
An Engineering Workstation (EWS) is used to perform various maintenance, configuration, or diagnostics functions for a control system. The EWS will likely require dedicated application software to interface with various devices (e.g., RTUs, PLCs), and may be used to transfer data or files between the control system devices and other networks. |
