Cybersecurity management for distributed control system: systematic approach

Abstract

Distributed control systems are the backbone of modern industrial revolution. Its utilization ranges from industries like agriculture, automobiles, petrochemical and refineries to nuclear power plants. Inclusion of cyber capabilities to distributed control systems exposed it to security risk especially once used for critical infrastructure of a country. It is critical for distributed control systems to effectively manage its cybersecurity risks and attacks. In this research, a consolidated cybersecurity management approach is developed which is based on cyclic phases that addresses the risk, security, testing and trust factors of distributed control systems within cyber physical systems domain. This research also identified trust and reputation as two additional components to be included in managing distributed control systems’ cybersecurity. This method enhances the level of security required to safeguard distributed control systems.