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Abstract: Hydraulic control systems, widely used in industrial automation, aerospace, and energy sectors, are increasingly integrated with cloud platforms and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies to enhance monitoring, predictive maintenance, and operational efficiency. However, this digital integration exposes hydraulic infrastructures to a wide range of cyberattacks, including denial-of-service (DoS), ransomware, and advanced persistent threats (APT). Existing cybersecurity solutions for industrial control systems (ICS) rely on conventional cryptographic algorithms such as Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Rivest-Shamir- Adleman, which may be resource-intensive and vulnerable in constrained environments. This article explores cybersecurity challenges in hydraulic systems, analyzes real-world attack scenarios, and introduces Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)-based cryptography as a novel, lightweight, and biologically inspired approach for securing cloud-integrated hydraulic infrastructures. Comparative evaluations are shown between DNA-based schemes and lightweight cryptography standards, highlighting performance, scalability, and resistance to classical attacks. Experimental insights, supported by graphical models and tabulated data, demonstrate the feasibility of DNA-based approaches for future-proofing hydraulic cybersecurity.

Keywords: Cloud security, cybersecurity, DNA cryptography, industrial control systems, hydraulic systems, IoT security

1. Introduction

Hydraulic systems are critical components in powering industrial and infrastructure applications [1- 3], including manufacturing plants, heavy machinery, aircraft control surfaces, automotive braking systems, construction equipment, and renewable energy platforms, where their efficiency, reliability, and adaptability are indispensable [4-7].

Recent research has highlighted the growing need to protect hydraulic systems from potential cyber-attacks, particularly as they evolve toward cloud-integrated industrial architectures. The adoption of cloud-based control and monitoring introduces new vulnerabilities, rendering hydraulic systems increasingly susceptible to cyber threats [8-10].

This heightened risk is driven by the proliferation of sensors and IoT-enabled actuators, which enable real-time monitoring, remote operation, and predictive maintenance via cloud platforms [11-14]. While these capabilities enhance operational efficiency and allow advanced analytics for fault detection and remaining useful life estimation, they simultaneously enlarge the attack surface [15], creating opportunities for malicious actors to compromise critical hydraulic operations. Consequently, safeguarding cloud-integrated hydraulic systems has become a strategic priority, motivating research into advanced cybersecurity solutions, including encryption, Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)-based cryptography, and machine learning approaches [16,17].

Industrial Control Systems (ICS), including SCADA and Distributed Control Systems (DCS), form the backbone of modern manufacturing, transportation, and energy infrastructures [18-22]. Traditionally, hydraulic systems operated in isolated environments, but the growing adoption of Industry 4.0 [23]...

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