Data Diode Logging for Secure Process Control Event Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data logging methods in process control systems are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, compromising the security and integrity of Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) and Basic Process Control Systems (BPCS), which can lead to unintended shutdowns and significant operational and financial losses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a hardware data diode into the data logger to enable secure, uni-directional data transfer from the process control system network to a data extractor, preventing malware injection and maintaining network security by allowing only listening and storing of data without sending information back to the safety network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If data logging is implemented in process control systems, then data collection and monitoring capability is improved, but vulnerability to cyber-attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
A data diode is introduced as an intermediary device between the process control system network and the data logging system. The data diode allows data to flow only in one direction (from the control system to the logging system) and physically blocks any reverse communication, thereby enabling data collection while preventing cyber-attacks from compromising the control system
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into two isolated parts: the process control system network and the data logging system. The data diode creates a unidirectional communication bridge that maintains logical and physical separation between these segments, allowing data extraction without creating a security vulnerability
2Ease of operation
If bi-directional data communication is implemented, then data retrieval flexibility is improved, but risk of malware injection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data diode acts as a unidirectional intermediary that allows flexible data retrieval from the control system to external logging and analysis systems while physically preventing any bidirectional communication that could enable malware injection or system compromise
3Loss of information
If data logging is implemented without security restrictions, then data accessibility is improved, but system integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The data diode serves as a security intermediary that enables comprehensive data accessibility for logging and analysis purposes while maintaining the integrity of the process control system by allowing only outward data flow and blocking any potential integrity-compromising communications
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively prevents cyber-attacks on process control systems, ensuring the security and integrity of data logging processes, allowing for secure retrieval of pre- and post-trip event data without compromising the safety of the system, and requires no modifications to the SIS architecture.
Implementation Method 1
the information transferred uni-directionally from the process control system network to a data logger via a data diode
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for secure data logging are disclosed. An example method for secure data transfer from a process control system network includes storing information received by a process controller via the process control system network, the process controller including a safety instrumented system controller or a process control system controller, the information transferred uni-directionally from the process control system network to a data logger via a data diode, identifying a trigger event on the process control system network, in response to identifying the trigger event, parsing the stored information for event data, and transferring the event data from the data logger to a data extractor.