- Research Article
- 10.54380/ijrdet0925_01
A Review on Cognitive Machine Learning for Cybersecurity Systems in Operational Technology Networks
- Sep 05, 2025
- International Journal of Recent Development in Engineering and Technology
- Mustafa Emre Cansev
In Manufacturing Technologies (OT), with the advent of Industry 4.0, Human-Machine Interaction (HMI) has evolved into Machine-Machine Interaction (MMI). This development has made the digitalization of manufacturing processes critical. The combined use and digitalization of machine, HMI, and MMI systems has also raised significant cybersecurity challenges. Because manufacturing technology networks lack a standardized structure, traditional security mechanisms are often inadequate to address the heterogeneity and time-sensitive nature of these environments. Therefore, systematic, adaptive, and learning-based solutions are required to provide resilient protection mechanisms in OT networks. In this context, unlike traditional approaches, cognitive machine learning offers systems that can dynamically adapt learning processes by understanding environmental data. Combining adaptive reasoning and contextual awareness, cognitive learning enables OT networks to identify new attack patterns and respond in real time, increasing their resilience and providing more effective security solutions. This article systematically reviews scientific publications on the use of cognitive machine learning in manufacturing technology networks. Focusing on recent contributions (2016–2025), the review highlights both the novelty and practical importance of applying cognitive machine learning to OT security challenges. The reviewed literature highlights that the use of cognitive machine learning for security purposes in OT networks has so far been largely limited to subsystem-level applications (e.g., PLCs, SCADA nodes, and IoT-enabled manufacturing devices). Furthermore, an end-to-end solution architecture has been lacking. This finding reveals a clear research gap and highlights the potential of cognitive machine learning methods as a promising and relevant topic for future academic and industrial research.
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