Introduction of a Hybrid Monitor for Cyber-Physical Systems

Abstract

Computing systems and mobile technologies have changed dramatically since the introduction of firewall technology in 1988. The internet has grown from a simple network of networks to a cyber and physical entity that encompasses the entire planet. Cyber-physical systems (CPS) now control most of the day to day operations of human civilization from autonomous cars to nuclear energy plants. While phenomenal, this growth has created new security threats. These are threats that cannot be blocked by a firewall for they are not only cyber but cyber-physical. In light of these cyber-physical threats, this paper proposes a security measure that promises to enhance the security of cyber-physical systems. Using theoretical cyber, physical, and cyber-physical attack scenarios, this paper highlights the need for additional monitoring of cyber-physical systems as an extra security measure. Additionally, we illustrate the efficiency of the proposed monitor using a Shannon entropy proof, and a multiple security domain nondeducibility (MSDND) proof.