Edge Security Policy Engine for Dynamic OT Command Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current network security systems in industrial automation environments are inadequate in dynamically classifying and evaluating the intent of commands to connect and disconnect communication channels, leading to inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities due to continuously connected channels.
Innovation Solution
A network security system that uses a policy engine to authenticate access accounts, classify commands, and dynamically create communication paths based on command intent, disconnecting channels after use to minimize unnecessary connections and thwart attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If communication channels are continuously connected to enable command transmission in industrial automation environments, then communication reliability is improved, but security exposure increases due to constant infiltration targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection management where communication channels are connected only when needed for command transmission and automatically disconnected afterward. The system transitions from static continuous connection to dynamic on-demand connection, reducing security exposure while maintaining communication reliability through timely reconnection when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic connection cycles where channels are connected, used for transmission, then disconnected, creating a rhythm of connection and disconnection. This periodic action pattern ensures communication occurs when needed while limiting the time window for potential security breaches.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If communication channels are dynamically connected and disconnected based on command needs, then security exposure is reduced, but communication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service automation where the network security system automatically determines when channels need to be connected or disconnected based on command transmission requirements. This eliminates manual intervention complexity while maintaining dynamic connection management, as the system autonomously handles the connection lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor command transmission needs and automatically adjust channel connection states accordingly. When command transmission is detected or required, channels are connected; when not needed, channels are disconnected. This feedback-driven approach simplifies complexity by using automated decision-making based on system state.
3Productivity
If the same communication channel path is always used for transmitting commands, then transmission efficiency is improved, but security vulnerability increases due to predictable attack targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path selection where communication channels are randomly selected from available channels for each transmission event. This creates variability in the communication path while maintaining transmission efficiency through automated random selection, preventing attackers from predicting or targeting specific channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces asymmetry by using different communication paths for different transmissions rather than a fixed symmetric pattern. Random channel selection creates an asymmetric and unpredictable communication pattern that enhances security while maintaining efficiency through automated selection from multiple valid paths.
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamic attribute-based edge-deployed security in an industrial automation environment is described. A policy engine receives a command executable relevant to operational technology of an industrial automation environment via an access account. The policy engine classifies the command as approved or denied based on identifying a security policy based on the access account and operational technology, determining a set of parameter values based on the security policy, determining an intent of the command based on the set of parameter values, and classifying the command by evaluating the intent against the security policy. In response to command approval, the policy engine identifies a first communication channel coupling the operational technology and a policy enforcement point, connects a second communication channel coupling the policy enforcement point and the policy engine, and transmits the command and an indication of the first channel to the policy enforcement point via the second channel.