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On PLC network security

Author

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  • Ghaleb, Asem
  • Zhioua, Sami
  • Almulhem, Ahmad

Abstract

Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is an important component in modern Industrial Control Systems (ICS) particular in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Disturbing the normal operation of PLCs can lead to significant damages ranging from minor annoyance to large scale incidents threatening the life of people. While most of existing work in the SCADA security literature focuses on the communication between PLCs and field devices, this paper presents a network security analysis of the communication between PLCs and the engineering stations in charge of setting up and configuring them. Interestingly, this aspect of SCADA security was exploited by the most famous SCADA attack, namely, Stuxnet. Using a testbed with a common PLC device, we successfully carried out three network attacks leading to serious compromise of typical PLCs.

Suggested Citation

  • Ghaleb, Asem & Zhioua, Sami & Almulhem, Ahmad, 2018. "On PLC network security," International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, Elsevier, vol. 22(C), pages 62-69.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ijocip:v:22:y:2018:i:c:p:62-69
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcip.2018.05.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Huitsing, Peter & Chandia, Rodrigo & Papa, Mauricio & Shenoi, Sujeet, 2008. "Attack taxonomies for the Modbus protocols," International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, Elsevier, vol. 1(C), pages 37-44.
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    Cited by:

    1. Luiz Fernando Ribas Monteiro & Yuri R. Rodrigues & A. C. Zambroni de Souza, 2023. "Cybersecurity in Cyber–Physical Power Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(12), pages 1-34, June.
    2. Hui, Henry & McLaughlin, Kieran & Sezer, Sakir, 2021. "Vulnerability analysis of S7 PLCs: Manipulating the security mechanism," International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, Elsevier, vol. 35(C).
    3. Robles-Durazno, Andres & Moradpoor, Naghmeh & McWhinnie, James & Russell, Gordon & Maneru-Marin, Inaki, 2019. "PLC memory attack detection and response in a clean water supply system," International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, Elsevier, vol. 26(C).

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