Distributed Ledger Records for Secure Process Control Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Process control systems in industrial plants face significant cybersecurity risks due to interconnections with external networks, which can lead to equipment damage, product loss, and even human safety threats, necessitating a secure and immutable data recording solution.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a distributed ledger system, such as a blockchain, within process control systems to record transactions and execute smart contracts, providing a secure, immutable, and trustless record of process parameters, product quality, and regulatory data, while enabling secure automation of transactions between entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If process control systems are interconnected with external networks to enable data exchange and automation, then productivity and ease of operation are improved, but cybersecurity risks and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a distributed ledger as an intermediary layer between process control systems and external networks. This mediator enables secure data exchange by recording transactions in an immutable, decentralized manner, allowing productivity improvement while maintaining security through cryptographic verification and distributed consensus mechanisms that prevent unauthorized access and tampering
2Device complexity
If centralized databases are used to store process control data, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and security are worsened due to single points of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized database into multiple distributed nodes across the network. Each node maintains a copy of the ledger, eliminating single points of failure. The segmentation is achieved through peer-to-peer network architecture where data is distributed across multiple participants, improving reliability while managing complexity through standardized protocols
3Measurement precision
If manual verification processes are used for quality control and regulatory compliance, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity and time efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through smart contracts that automatically execute quality control checks and compliance verification. The system performs measurements and validations autonomously based on pre-defined criteria, maintaining precision through cryptographic verification while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating manual intervention in routine verification tasks
4Ease of operation
If traditional authentication mechanisms are used in process control systems, then ease of operation is maintained, but security and reliability are worsened due to vulnerable access control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the authentication parameter from traditional username/password systems to cryptographic key pairs and digital signatures. This parameter change maintains ease of operation through automated key management while fundamentally improving security by making authentication resistant to common cyber attacks such as credential theft and brute force attacks
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a trusted, secure, and immutable record of transactions within a process plant, techniques are described for utilizing a distributed ledger in process control systems. The distributed ledger may be maintained by nodes which receive transactions broadcasted from field devices, controllers, operator workstations, or other devices operating within the process plant. The transactions may include process plant data, such as process parameter data, product parameter data, configuration data, user interaction data, maintenance data, commissioning data, plant network data, and product tracking data. The distributed ledgers may also be utilized to execute smart contracts to allow machines such as field devices to transact by themselves without human intervention. In this manner, recorded process parameter values and product parameter values may be retrieved to verify the quality of products. Moreover, regulatory data may be recorded in response to triggering events so that regulatory agencies can review the data.