COMMAND AND CONTROL MODERN CONTROL ROOM DESIGN MEETS CYBER-PHYSICAL SAFETY Sam Mackenzie*
In an era where energy, water, transport and public safety systems face continuous stress — from natural disasters to cyber intrusions — control rooms have emerged as strategic assets. No longer backof-house operational centres, they are now the digital and physical epicentres of resilience.
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cross Australia, critical infrastructure providers are rethinking how control rooms are designed, staffed, secured and integrated. With cyber-physical threats increasing, where digital intrusions can trigger real-world consequences like overflowing reservoirs, blackouts or disrupted rail networks, control rooms must evolve. This evolution isn’t just technological; it’s human, procedural and urgent. Our modernday society is depending on us for essential services availability.
A new era of threats
In my recent white paper ‘Securing Society: Insights on Cyber-Physical Safety in Australia’s Critical Infrastructure’, I examined the rising
6 Critical Comms - May/June 2025
www.CriticalComms.com.au