Automated OT Network Security Analysis via Virtual Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for network security analysis of Operational Technology (OT) networks are inadequate in the design phase, leading to high costs and risks due to post-deployment vulnerability discovery, and lack a repeatable framework for analyzing network security before deployment.
Innovation Solution
An automated method involving network modeling, simulation, and emulation using network attack bots to identify vulnerabilities and generate security analysis reports, focusing on the pre-deployment phase to enhance network security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual penetration testing is conducted only after network deployment, then the network can be tested with real configurations, but security vulnerabilities are discovered too late leading to high costs and operational disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual network model that replicates the intended network configuration before actual deployment. Penetration testing is performed on this virtual model in advance, allowing security vulnerabilities to be identified and remediated before the real network goes live. This preliminary security assessment prevents costly post-deployment fixes and operational disruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the network environment in virtual form, including network devices, configurations, and topology. This virtual network model serves as a safe testing ground for penetration testing without risking the actual deployed network. The copy allows comprehensive security testing while preserving the integrity of the production network.
2Productivity
If automated penetration testing is performed on the virtual network model, then security analysis can be conducted efficiently and repeatedly, but the complexity of creating and maintaining the virtual model increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual network model is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a design specification repository and a penetration testing target. The same model is used for documenting network architecture and for security assessment, eliminating the need for separate testing environments and reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities provided.
3Measurement precision
If network security analysis is automated using attack bots, then the thoroughness and consistency of security testing improve, but the resource requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual network model acts as an intermediary between the automated penetration testing tools and the actual deployed network. Attack bots test the virtual model rather than directly interacting with production systems, providing accurate vulnerability detection while isolating the complexity of automated testing infrastructure from the operational network.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method (100) and a system (200) for automated network security analysis for Operational Technology (OT) networks. This method (100) involves creating a network model (312) of a given OT network using input design specifications. Within the network model (312), subnetworks are identified, and a network attack bot is associated with each identified subnetwork. The network model (312) then undergoes simulation or emulation. During this phase, each connected network attack bot is activated. These network attack bots gather data, identifying attack surfaces within the simulated or emulated network model (312). Subsequently, risks associated with each attack surface are classified using a predefined risk profile (172) and a network security analysis report (174) is generated for the OT network based on the classified risk for each attack surface therein.