While most programmable controllers do not use Windows as an operating system, the software used to program control systems almost always runs on Windows, as do most software packages used for operator interface screens and data collection. All these programs have direct access to the data and logic that run inside control systems, and can therefore create havoc if tampered with.
A well-designed network will include the necessary security to protect itself, but industrial control networks are often implemented by engineers outside traditional IT departments. To make matters worse, industrial control software is notorious for crashing after Windows updates and patches are applied - so they're often ignored outright.
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