OT Control Security Gateway for Blocking Malicious Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control systems in operational technology (OT) networks are vulnerable to cyber threats due to lack of inherent security measures, with existing IT security solutions inadequate for protecting Levels 0-2 processes, and there is a need for specific protections against attacks that can degrade production, cause equipment damage, or pose safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A security device is introduced to monitor and block undesirable control commands, authenticate maintenance requests, and store forensic data, utilizing AI for anomaly detection and integrating with OT systems to ensure data validation and consistency, providing enhanced security functions tailored for OT networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional control systems are interconnected to communication networks for automation and process efficiency, then productivity and process efficiency are improved, but vulnerability to cyber security threats increases
Solution Approach 1:
A security device is introduced as an intermediary component between control devices and communication networks. The security device monitors, analyzes, and controls communications to block malicious commands while allowing legitimate control signals to pass through, thus resolving the contradiction by adding a protective layer that enables network connectivity without exposing the control system to cyber threats
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into protected zones with the security device forming a boundary layer. Control devices remain isolated in secure zones while the security device interfaces with external networks, allowing productivity benefits of connectivity while containing cyber security risks within specific network segments
2Reliability
If IT security solutions such as firewalls and virus protection are applied to OT networks, then some attack apertures are reduced, but they fail to address specific vulnerabilities of OT networks designed for process efficiency and safety
Solution Approach 1:
The security device implements security functions specifically tailored to OT network characteristics and requirements. Rather than applying generic IT security solutions, the device is configured with OT-specific protocols, safety considerations, and process efficiency requirements, making it adaptable to the unique qualities of operational technology environments
Solution Approach 2:
The security device adjusts security parameters dynamically based on OT network conditions, device types, and communication patterns. It modifies security behavior to accommodate different OT protocols and safety requirements, transforming the rigid IT security approach into a flexible solution suited for OT networks
3Measurement precision
If the security device monitors and analyzes all control communications in real-time to detect malicious commands, then security detection capability is improved, but processing time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The security device performs preliminary actions by establishing baseline normal behavior patterns for control communications before actual monitoring begins. By pre-configuring expected communication patterns, device identities, and legitimate command structures, the device can quickly compare real-time traffic against these pre-established criteria, improving detection accuracy without requiring extensive real-time analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The security device applies partial monitoring by focusing analysis on specific high-risk communication patterns and protocols rather than uniformly analyzing all traffic. It selectively intensifies monitoring for suspicious patterns while allowing normal traffic to pass with minimal processing, thus maintaining high detection precision for critical threats while reducing overall processing time
Data Source
AI summary
A protection system, method, and a security device can protect an operational technology (OT) system having connected hardware equipment, including at least an interface that can receive a control communication and an industrial control device (ICD) for controlling at least one industrial device. They feature tasks/steps that receive control communication from the communication interface, determine whether the received control communication contains an undesirable control command, and either pass or block the received control communication to the ICD depending on whether the received control communication contains an undesirable control command. The security device can be disposed between a source of communication in an OT network and the ICD for protection.