SHIELD - A Six-Layered AI-Enabled Cybersecurity Framework for ICS & OT Environments

Industrial control systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT) are up against fast-evolvingthreats that are advancing faster than the security measures designed to protect them. Hackersare now using the same features that make industrial systems reliable, that is, predictablebehaviour, legacy systems, and the need to stay running, avoiding being detected and stayinghidden. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can detect and prioritise threats in OT environmentsefficiently. However, using AI effectively requires plans to be made and executed very carefullydue to AI having unique challenges of its own. This article introduces the S.H.I.E.L.DFramework: A Six-layer cybersecurity model for OT/ICS that combines AI-based threatdetection, robust protection, zero-trust principles, risk prediction, and industry-standardscompliance.