Process Control Instrument Authentication for Secure Configuration Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional process control systems lack comprehensive security measures for Level 0 (L0) and Level 1 (L1) field devices, making them vulnerable to attacks due to lack of protection for network-connected process control instruments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a process control system with a hardware or virtual switch that allows for enhanced secure modes, using unique secure codes and authorization servers to authenticate and configure network-connected field devices, ensuring secure communication and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional process control systems are used without enhanced security measures, then the system is easier to operate and configure, but the field devices become vulnerable to attacks and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments access control into multiple modes (normal mode and enhanced secure mode) that can be selected via a switch setting. This segmentation allows the system to provide different levels of security and access control, resolving the contradiction by enabling easy operation in normal mode while providing enhanced security protection when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic access control where the system can switch between normal operation and enhanced secure mode based on the state of a switch setting. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt its security level and access control characteristics, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security protection.
2Ease of operation
If network-connected field devices are made accessible for configuration, then the system is easier to operate, but the devices become vulnerable to attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments device accessibility into different operational modes. In normal mode, devices are accessible for configuration and operation. In enhanced secure mode, access is restricted and authentication is required. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing easy operation when needed while protecting against attacks when security is prioritized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism (authorization server and authentication process) that mediates between device accessibility and security protection. This intermediary layer allows legitimate access while blocking unauthorized attacks, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and vulnerability to attacks.
3Reliability
If enhanced secure mode with authentication is implemented, then security of field instruments is enhanced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the security system into distinct operational modes that can be selected via a simple switch setting. This segmentation allows the complex authentication and security features to be activated only when needed, rather than being permanently embedded in the system, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the enhanced security features (authentication server, unique secure codes, restricted access) as an optional enhanced secure mode that can be activated via a switch setting. This extraction allows the security mechanism to be separated from the normal operational path, reducing the complexity of the everyday system while preserving security capabilities when required.
4Reliability
If restricted access is implemented for configuring instruments, then security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments configuration access into two distinct pathways: normal access in normal mode for routine operations, and restricted access via authentication in enhanced secure mode for security-sensitive configurations. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing easy configuration access when needed while implementing security restrictions when protection is prioritized.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic access control where the configuration accessibility changes based on the switch setting and authentication status. The system dynamically adjusts between easy access and restricted access modes, resolving the contradiction between security improvement and ease of operation by allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method of securing a process control instrument of a process control system. An authorization server is configured to authenticate the process control instrument based on a unique secure code provided to the server in response to the process control instrument entering an enhanced secure mode as determined by a switch setting. In response to being authenticated in the enhanced secure mode, the process control instrument is configured to operate in a configuration state in which an authorized user is granted access to configure the security details of the process control instrument.