System and method for secure execution of an automation program in a cloud computation environment

Abstract

Arrangement and method for securely executing an automation program in a cloud computing environment, wherein the automation program is installed on computer hardware in a public IT infrastructure, and wherein the computer hardware is connected via a data connection to a cloud server, where the connection and a dedicated runtime environment of the computer hardware are configured such that the automation program is transferrable onto the computer hardware and its execution can be monitored via the server and data connection, such that the automation program and sensitive information, i.e., recipes, instructions and / or method steps, contained therein can be executed in a protected environment, effective protection against interception is achieved and such that the dedicated hardware can be matched to a possibly pre-existing automation program so that existing automation programs can execute in the cloud or be made available without modification and further system tests, certifications and other costly adaptation steps.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a device for safely executing an automation program in a cloud computing environment according to the preamble of the invention, and a method for safely executing an automation program in a cloud computing environment according to the invention. Background technique [0002] So-called cloud computing is increasingly being used in many technical fields. In principle, this is a computer infrastructure that is available in a superordinate or public data network, in particular the Internet. The core of this solution is the so-called cloud server, usually high-performance computing power that can be used independently by multiple users and can be used for a fee. There are also private cloud computing solutions, which, although not public, likewise have a central server infrastructure, with which, in particular companies with multiple locations or multinational corporations at least partly process their data and Data remains centra...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] In such configurations where (possibly virtual) machines are installed on cloud-based computers (cloud servers) to run sensitive applications or functions, especially industrial control tasks, on a "semi-local" level, there are the following disadvantages : The level of security related to data security depends on the corresponding "infrastructure" of the virtualization solution and cannot be reliably assessed by the user / customer

Another disadvantage consists in the application of manufacturer-specific (proprietary) programs and recipes to programmable logic controllers for the control of industrial automation equipment, for example in the production of chemical or pharmaceutical products, the migration of these programs and recipes on standard hardware as it is in It is difficult to simulate in the virtual machine of the cloud server

The often necessary emulation of a dedicated programmable logic controller also includes the regular implementation of firmware and operating systems, which are actually designed for the private environment (local automation level) and, if run in the public environment, then it is correspondingly poorly protected against theft

Images