Cyber-Attack Detection for a Crude Oil Distillation Column

Abstract

Due to the continuous development of technology, an increasing number of electronic devices are being developed with networking features suitable for connecting to industrial networks. This technological evolution has also made its way to Industrial Control Systems (ICSs) where an increasing number of monitoring and controlling devices have been connected to computer networks facilitating the supervisory level monitoring and control. Evolution in computing and internet technology has encouraged increasing number of ICS to be linked to cyber-world giving rise to a new class of systems called Cyber-Physical System (CPS) which provides several economic and performance-enhancing benefits. However, it also makes ICS more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The effect of cyber-attacks differs in cyber-physical critical ICS compared to traditional ICT systems as they can cause damage to physical infrastructure posing threats to human health and environment. The complex CPS infrastructure more than ever requires the development of novel security solutions, as these systems are continuously targeted by attacks and intrusions by intelligent adversaries.