What infrastructure would best prevent unauthorized communication on a plant floor?

Utilizing ICS/SCADA infrastructure is the best choice for preventing unauthorized communication on a plant floor because Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems are specifically designed for managing and controlling industrial processes. These systems incorporate various security measures tailored for the unique needs of industrial environments, including segmentation of networks, strict access controls, and real-time monitoring of communications.

ICS/SCADA solutions often include robust protocols that ensure secure data transmission and can implement firewall technologies to restrict unauthorized access to critical assets. Furthermore, these systems are generally built with a layer of redundancy and fail-safe mechanisms to enhance security against internal and external threats. By integrating monitoring and alert systems, they can also quickly identify and respond to any unauthorized communication attempts.

In contrast, the other infrastructure options like a VPN, Wi-Fi networks, and open network architecture do not provide the same level of specialized security tailored for plant environments. VPNs focus on creating secure private connections over public networks typically for remote access and do not inherently secure the communication protocols used in industrial environments. Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable to interception and unauthorized access if not properly secured, and an open network architecture fundamentally lacks the restrictions needed to prevent unauthorized communication effectively. Therefore, ICS/SCADA