Field Device Parameter Change Tracking for Tamper Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field devices, especially self-contained sensors and actuators, are vulnerable to unauthorized or accidental parameter modifications, which can lead to faulty operations and potential harm in critical infrastructure and process plants, due to lack of effective security measures against hacker attacks and parameter tampering.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for operating field devices that automatically detect and transmit parameter modifications to a higher-level unit, using hash values and modification counters, and storing this information in a distributed ledger to ensure secure and transparent tracking of parameter changes, thereby preventing unauthorized modifications and facilitating timely countermeasures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If field devices are equipped with local parameterization interfaces and digital interfaces for on-site parameterization, then ease of operation is improved, but vulnerability to unauthorized or inadvertent parameter modification increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where parameter modifications are detected and communicated back to a higher-level unit. When a parameter is modified at the field device, this change is transmitted to the higher-level unit, which can then verify the modification and take appropriate actions to maintain parameter integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A higher-level unit acts as an intermediary between field devices and the central control system. This intermediary receives parameter modification notifications, verifies their authenticity, and coordinates appropriate responses, thereby protecting against unauthorized modifications while enabling legitimate on-site parameterization.
2Productivity
If field devices connect directly to the World Wide Web for cloud transmission of measurement data, then productivity is improved through decentralized measuring tasks, but exposure to hacker attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The higher-level unit serves as a protective intermediary between field devices and external networks. Field devices communicate parameter modifications and measurement data to the higher-level unit, which then handles external communications, thereby isolating the field devices from direct exposure to hacker attacks while maintaining cloud connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary security measures by establishing authentication and verification protocols before allowing any external access or modifications. The higher-level unit pre-configures security parameters and verifies the authenticity of all communications, preventing hacker attacks before they can affect the field devices.
3Ease of operation
If parameter modifications are allowed without verification to enable flexible operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the probability of faulty parameterizations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate feedback when parameters are modified. The field device transmits modification information to the higher-level unit, which verifies the changes against predefined criteria and provides feedback on whether the modifications are acceptable, thereby maintaining both flexibility and correctness.
Solution Approach 2:
The higher-level unit performs preliminary verification of parameter modifications before they are fully applied. By checking modifications in advance against validity criteria and authentication protocols, the system prevents faulty parameterizations from taking effect while still allowing flexible operation when modifications are appropriate.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for operating an automation field device, having an input interface, a memory which stores at least one set of parameters for operating the field device, and having a first communication interface, wherein, if at least one parameter in the set of parameters is changed by a first entity, the following steps are carried out in the following order: —transmitting at least the changed parameter(s) and/or data calculated therefrom to a superordinate unit, —informing a second entity of the change.