PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) are in prolific use by various industries such as automotive, aerospace, agriculture, and more. Recently, digital twins of PLCs and other industrial electronics have gained notoriety in these spaces by promising efficiency and profitability. However, the use of these virtual prototypes for securing cyberspace is largely unexplored. This paper delves into the creation and use of virtual prototypes to better secure physical systems against malicious attackers by using these virtual devices as a training ground for future improvements and modifications of physical systems. Additionally, it also covers system emulation techniques and the possibility of validation testing during the pre-fabrication process. The use of virtual prototypes hopes to expand defense-in-depth by providing users with another tool to protect their infrastructure as effectively as possible.
