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Water utilities should first remove unnecessary public internet access to PLCs and HMIs, replace default or missing credentials, and put a controlled access point in front of any equipment that must be reached remotely. Then restrict permitted network traffic, maintain firmware and asset records, monitor changes, and verify that backups can restore operations. The exact settings differ by controller model and process, so make changes with the vendor’s guidance and operational safeguards.
1. Remove unnecessary internet exposure
Start by identifying PLCs, HMIs, and remote-access equipment reachable from the public internet. Disconnect direct public access where it is not required, and close unnecessary ports and services. CISA and partner agencies recommend disconnecting internet-facing PLCs where possible; EPA and CISA likewise identify reducing exposure as a water-sector priority. CISA’s PLC advisory and EPA’s 2024 drinking-water and wastewater cybersecurity guidance provide the sector context.
In its advisory about Unitronics Vision PLC exploitation, CISA also recommends changing the default port and device name. Treat those as supporting, product-context-specific measures—not substitutes for removing public exposure or controlling access. A port change does not make a publicly reachable device secure by itself.
2. Replace default credentials and restrict management
Change default, weak, or absent passwords before equipment enters service. Require authentication for management and for access to controller state, logic, or programs. Disable unused authentication methods and features, and limit who can make operating-mode changes. Use strong, unique credentials and store them in the utility’s approved credential-management process.
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- -- PLC Type: Fully compatible with FX1S, 7 Input 5 Relay Output (24V pulse single). Have additional 4 Transistor Output: 2 for high speed pulse 100KHz & 2 for direction, can drive 2 servos or 2 steppers with pulse
- -- PLC software: Use GX Workers 2 or Developer (pls download from GX Workers 2 website, we only have Chinese version), support Command + T Ladder Diagram + SFC for programming
- -- HMI Software: YKBuilder V5.3/7.0 (Pls contact us, we will share it and the video instruction and guidelines). For HMI model: pls choose FE Serial, 280D
- -- Use the same Cable for download program from PC to PLC/HMI: Use the: mini port – USB cable, pls install HMI & PLC’s USB driver first, which we will share.
The Unitronics-specific advisory names controls such as TCP/IP, project upload, INFO mode, and SD card passwords. These are not universal menu labels or options: check the documentation for each PLC and HMI model rather than applying a generic recipe. EPA and CISA recommend changing default passwords before systems are put into service, while their guidance also calls for MFA at least for remote access to OT networks. EPA’s guidance and CISA’s advisory describe these measures.
3. Put necessary remote access behind a controlled boundary
If operators or vendors need remote access, do not expose the PLC directly for convenience. Place a managed proxy, gateway, firewall, or current VPN in front of it. Require MFA at that OT access boundary where applicable, restrict connections to authorized systems and users, and log remote logins and failed attempts. CISA notes that a gateway can provide MFA even when the PLC itself does not support it. Its PLC advisory recommends controlled access, and the CISA-EPA fact sheet on internet-exposed HMIs addresses access controls and logging.
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- Weight: 1.00lb
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A firewall or VPN is a boundary, not a complete security solution. Keep credentials, updates, configuration, and monitoring in scope; otherwise a weak account or poorly controlled permitted connection can still undermine the barrier.
4. Segment OT networks and allow only required communications
Separate operational technology (OT) from business IT and define controlled conduits between zones. Use firewalls, gateways, proxies, or an OT DMZ with a bastion host to create a managed access point. Permit only the communications needed for operations, and consider IP allowlisting for authorized engineering workstations. Segmentation and allowlisting are among the measures in the joint HMI fact sheet and PLC advisory.
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- -- PLC Type: Fully compatible with FX1S, 10 Transistor Input (NPN Type), 7 Relay Output. Have additional 4 Transistor Output: 2 for high speed pulse 100KHz & 2 for direction, can drive 2 servos or 2 steppers with pulse, built-in 2AD（0-10V) and 2DA(0-10V), also 2 NTC10K B3435 probe. Just read the address of AD DA NTC's will ok, 2 high speed input 100KHz X0 X1 to control encoder
- -- PLC software: Use GX Workers 2 or Developer (pls download from GX Workers 2 website, we only have Chinese version), support Command + T Ladder Diagram + SFC for programming
- -- HMI Software: YKBuilder V5.3 and Choose FE serial 380 model in HMI software. (Pls contact us, we will share it and the video instruction and guidelines), very easy to use, just create the buttun and set the address
- -- Use the same Cable for download program from PC to PLC/HMI: Use the: mini port – USB cable, pls install HMI & PLC’s USB driver first, which we will share.
Evaluate a control by whether it removes public exposure or merely adds a barrier, where it applies (at the PLC or at the access boundary), which users and traffic it limits, whether it preserves useful audit logs, and whether staff can maintain and recover it safely. An industrial Ethernet firewall may be one part of this design, but the right configuration depends on the utility’s network, required protocols, support arrangements, and safe deployment plan; CISA does not endorse a particular product.
5. Keep an inventory and manage updates deliberately
Maintain records of PLC and HMI models, firmware, engineering software, network exposure, and support status. Use manufacturer guidance to prioritize updates, including fixes for known exploited vulnerabilities, and plan OT changes around suitable maintenance windows. CISA’s Unitronics incident advisory called for updates to engineering workstations and device firmware for the affected product family at that time; its historical version advice should not be treated as current instructions for other devices. See the advisory and the CISA-EPA-FBI water-systems fact sheet.
Rank #4
- -- PLC Type: Fully compatible with FX1S, 10 Input 7 Relay Output (5V pulse single). Have additional 4 Transistor Output: 2 for high speed pulse 100KHz & 2 for direction, can drive 2 servos or 2 steppers with pulse; have 2 high speed input 100KHz X0 X1 to control encoder also
- -- PLC software: Use GX Workers 2 or Developer (pls download from GX Workers 2 website, we only have Chinese version), support Command + T Ladder Diagram + SFC for programming
- -- HMI Software: YKBuilder (Pls dowload from link or contact us, we will share it and the video instruction and guidelines), very easy to use, just create the buttun and set the address
- -- Use the same Cable for download program from PC to PLC/HMI: Use the: mini port – USB cable, pls install HMI & PLC’s USB driver first, which we shared from link
6. Monitor changes and make recovery part of hardening
Monitor remote logins, failed attempts, configuration changes, unexpected protocols, and management actions that alter PLC operating modes or programs. Keep backups of controller logic and configurations, isolate backups from network connections that could spread malware, and test restoration. For critical functions, consider cold-standby or replacement hardware. CISA’s advisory and the joint water-systems actions fact sheet include monitoring, backup, response, and recovery practices.
How to make the changes safely
Security guidance is not a universal configuration recipe. A setting that is safe for one controller or process may impair control or recovery on another. Before changing a setting:
- Document the current configuration and the operational function each connection or feature supports.
- Confirm the setting and update path in current manufacturer documentation; involve the responsible OT and process-safety personnel.
- Schedule the change for an appropriate maintenance window and preserve a tested rollback or recovery path.
- Afterward, verify both the security control and the required process behavior, then update the asset and configuration records.
For a utility without internal OT security capacity, an OT/ICS cybersecurity assessment can help identify exposed devices, unnecessary services, access paths, and recovery gaps. EPA and CISA’s water-sector guidance includes cybersecurity assessment among its priority practices.
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