Re: LOTS of US Water Plants Hit by Hacks

On 8/4/26 03:10, rbowman wrote:
> On Mon, 3 Aug 2026 20:50:24 -0400, c186282 wrote:
> 
>>     Anyway, hardware PLCs are pretty stupid - you don't actually hack
>>     them directly. They're basically a replacement for a box of relays or
>>     equivs. Software PLCs - a uC or even better - are more "computers",
>>     oft net-connected these days. An Ard Uno would make a fair software
>>     PLC. A low-end PI even better.
> 
> https://www.realpars.com/blog/plc-hardware
> 
> What's a hardware PLC? 

   There ARE 'chips' ... or, cruder, boards with
   a lot of transistors.

   Anyway, the GOAL is to replace those big boxes
   full of mechanical relays ye and me both remember.

   That "PLCs" are being BLAMED for these hacks - now
   that's just bullshit. Modern PLCs are set up using
   modern software - and THAT'S what's being hacked.

> It amazed me to find that they still use the ladder
> logic metaphor. I thought that was a temporary crutch 
 > when they started showing up in the '70s.
   Never loved "ladder logic" diagrams. I've DONE
   it - in hardware and software - but it's not my
   favored perspective. Pref a more straight-up,
   logic-based, point of view. Yea yea, PLCs are
   "simple" and "rugged" - BUT .......

   IMHO, 'software' based PLCs are the only modern
   way to go. Alas that also introduces vulnerabilities.

   Industries NEED PLCs ... so much machinery that
   needs coordination/logic.

   Clicky-clicky-clicky ... DID kind of like those
   old boxes full of relays  :-)

   Anyway, are PLCs responsible for all these nasty
   hack in middle-America ? I don't think so. It's
   the all-ONLINE paradigm instead.