# What is a Digital Twin?

> A digital twin is a digital representation of a real-world asset, process, or system that is connected to observations from its counterpart so the representation can be updated at a fit-for-purpose rate.

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## Content

It may combine models, sensor and operational data, history, analytics, and simulation to monitor state, test scenarios, predict behavior, or support decisions.

Some twins only receive data, while others issue recommendations or control commands. Trust depends on correct identity and boundaries, data provenance and timing, model validity, secure interfaces, suitable synchronization, and a clear account of assumptions and uncertainty.

### Key points

- **Define purpose and fidelity:** State what the twin represents, which decisions it supports, required variables and update rates, acceptable error and delay, and when outputs are valid.
- **Protect the connection:** Authenticate sources and commands, restrict write paths, validate schemas and ranges, preserve provenance, monitor synchronization, and separate experiments from production control.
- **Validate over time:** Compare predicted and observed behavior, detect drift, test models and transformations, version data and logic, and communicate confidence and limitations.
- **Important limitation:** A persuasive visualization or large data feed does not prove accuracy. Stale, manipulated, incomplete, or poorly modeled state can create unsafe confidence when outputs influence maintenance, production, or control.

### Related terms

[Cyber-physical system (CPS)](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/cyber-physical-system/>) · [IoT edge](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/iot-edge/>) · [Operational technology (OT) asset inventory](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/operational-technology-asset-inventory/>) · [Security architecture](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/security-architecture/>) · [Cyber risk](<https://yellowcube.eu/glossary/cyber-risk/>)

### Sources

[NIST IR 8356, Security and Trust Considerations for Digital Twin Technology](https://csrc.nist.gov/pubs/ir/8356/final) · [NIST, Digital Twin Essential Elements](https://www.nist.gov/digital-twins/essential-elements) · [ISO 23247-1:2021, Automation systems and integration — Digital twin framework for manufacturing — Part 1: Overview and general principles](https://www.iso.org/standard/75066.html)

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