A technique for cognitive protection of a system can include digital and analog sensors to measure or calculate operational parameters of a system. Digital sensors may be used to determine measured or primary operational parameters. The analog sensors are used to measure analog sensor information related to operation of the system. Analog sensor information that is measured may be used to calculate secondary operational parameters that includes the same operating parameters as the primary operational parameters. Lockstep analysis may be used to compare the primary operational parameters with the secondary operational parameters so as to determine a discrepancy in the operational parameters in the system.