Analogue Integrity in a Digital Age: Why Smart Isn’t Always Safe

A Hidden Epidemic: The Unreported Incidents

The Right Choice for Critical Applications

In sectors where failure simply isn’t an option—such as nuclear, petrochemical, water treatment and energy—robust, tamper-proof, and safety-certified instrumentation is essential. For engineers and safety managers who prioritise reliability over digital gimmicks, Amelec’s analogue instruments remain a trusted choice.

In an age where even a smart kettle can be hacked, the simplicity of analogue technology could well be your most secure decision.

As the process control and automation industries increasingly turn towards “smart” microprocessor-based systems, a critical question continues to arise: just how secure are these systems against the growing threat of cyber attacks?

At Amelec Instruments, we’ve spent more than 50 years specialising in analogue signal conditioning and process control instrumentation. Our product range—covering signal converters, signal splitters, linearisers, trip amplifiers and non-intrusive power transducers—has proved its worth across power stations, wastewater sites and safety-critical installations. Unlike their digital counterparts, analogue devices are inherently immune to hacking and malware, making them ideally suited for use in up to SIL 3-rated safety loop systems using 1oo1 architecture (HFT:0).

The Cybersecurity Gap in ‘Smart’ Systems

While digital transmitters and PLCs bring powerful capabilities, they also open the door to cyber vulnerabilities that analogue systems are simply not exposed to. Firmware, wireless features and cloud access can all act as entry points for attackers.

Real-world incidents underline the scale of this threat:

• Stuxnet (2010): This sophisticated worm specifically targeted PLCs at Iranian nuclear facilities, manipulating control software in a landmark example of cyber-physical sabotage.

• Triton/Trisis Malware (2017): Aimed directly at a Schneider Electric Triconex safety system in a petrochemical plant, this attack was only uncovered because the system crashed—no cyber defence flagged it.

• Oldsmar Water Treatment Hack (2021): Hackers in the US gained remote access to a SCADA system and attempted to raise sodium hydroxide levels in drinking water—via widely used remote desktop software.

Each case shows the risks associated with digital control systems that rely on software and connectivity. And these are only the incidents we know about.

Analogue: A Built-In Defence Against Cyber Threats

Amelec’s analogue instruments are secure by design. With no firmware, no network interfaces, and no need for security updates, they eliminate the risks that plague connected devices. In short—they can’t be hacked.

We proudly support our analogue range with:

• Over five decades of proven performance in the field

• Long-term reliability in harsh industrial conditions

• Product warranties of up to 10 years

• Compatibility with SIL 3-rated systems in 1oo1 configurations

• Complete immunity from firmware vulnerabilities or update cycles

What You Don’t Hear About Matters Most

Many cyber incidents go unreported. Whether due to fear of reputational harm, legal exposure or commercial impact, organisations often choose silence over disclosure. This creates a dangerously false sense of security and masks the true extent of the problem.

That’s why system design matters. By choosing instrumentation that is inherently immune to digital attack, engineers and asset managers can protect their operations against both known and unknown threats.

With Amelec’s analogue solutions, you gain more than just process control—you gain confidence, continuity and cyber resilience that no firewall can guarantee.

For more information on Analogue Integrity in a Digital Age: Why Smart Isn’t Always Safe talk to Amelec Instruments