Security Challenges in Industry 4.0 PLC Systems

Abstract

The concept of the fourth industrial revolution assumes the integration of people and digitally controlled machines with the Internet and information technologies. At the end of 2015, more than 20 billion machines and devices were connected to the Internet, with an expected growth to half a trillion by 2030. The most important raw material for this digital revolution is data, which when properly stored, analyzed and secured, constitute the basis for the development of any business. In times of rapid industrial development, automation of production processes and systems integration via networks, the effective protection of the cyber-physical systems of a plant is particularly important. To minimize the risks associated with Internet access, one must define all the possible threats and determine their sources in the plant and block or minimize the possibility of sabotage or data loss. This article analyzes the security measures used in industrial systems. In particular, risk management and the study of the risk sources in terms of human, hardware and software aspects in networked PLC and SCADA systems are discussed. Methods of improving the architecture of industrial networks and their management are proposed in order to increase the level of security. Additionally, the safety of the communication protocols with PLCs in industrial control systems is discussed.

Internet of Things: Development Intelligent Programmable IoT Controller for Emerging Industry Applications

“…Enterprises can use Industry 4.0-related technologies to integrate software and hardware in production control in order to automate the replenishment, manufacturing, monitoring, adjustment, and timely improvement of production processes in an Industry 4.0 production environment, thus significantly improving the efficiency of business operations [ 22 ]. The concept of the fourth industrial revolution assumes the integration of people and digitally controlled machines with the Internet and information technology [ 1 ]. The full digitalization of production processes is a very important part of the Industry 4.0 concept to improve the efficiency of manufacturing in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).…”

“…PLCs are electronic devices with built-in microprocessors whose main function is to control the operation of machines and other technical devices. The PLC input system collects information about the status of the device and the engineer’s operating instructions, and its output system has the main function of setting up connected actuators and signaling components and handling data transmission [ 1 ].…”

“…With the wave of global 5G and Industry 4.0, Internet of Things (IoT) technology is also widely used in industry. The concept of the fourth industrial revolution assumes the convergence of human and digitally controlled machines with the Internet and information technology [ 1 ]. Industry 4.0 has also led to the sublimation of smart manufacturing, which is accompanied by the digital transformation of enterprises to continuously improve the level of IoT information and communication software and hardware.…”

“…The purpose of this study is to develop a set of controllers with integrated wireless transmission and PLC control functions by applying the TOC and to explore the following five features for PLC applications to enable users to control PLCs more easily. The five main features include the following: (1) Process control syntax should be simple: develop a set of process control syntax, through simple instructions can be process control, process control.…”

Towards Trustworthy Safety Assessment by Providing Expert and Tool-Based XMECA Techniques

“…The range of possible failure causes is extended due to the extensive utilization of complex electronic components, such as microprocessors and FPGA: such components are subject to hardware and software failures that should be considered during the assessment process [3]. Besides, an additional challenge is caused by the vulnerability of software and hardware components and threats of intrusions and cyber-attacks, which can be reasons for failures and blocking of performance as well [4].…”