Operator actions and/or other commands or requests are secured via an authentication path from an action originator to a communications/control module or any other industrial element/controller. In implementations, an industrial control system includes an action authenticator configured to sign an action request generated by the action originator. The destination communications/control module or any other industrial element/controller is configured to receive the signed action request, verify the authenticity of the signed action request, and perform a requested action when the authenticity of the signed action request is verified.