Cyber-Physical Systems Security

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) Security is a specialized field focused on protecting systems that integrate computation, networking, and physical processes. Unlike traditional IT security, which primarily guards data, CPS security addresses the critical risk that a cyber attack could manipulate or disrupt physical operations, potentially causing equipment damage, environmental harm, or even loss of life. This discipline is crucial for safeguarding critical infrastructure such as industrial control systems, smart grids, autonomous vehicles, and medical devices by ensuring the integrity, availability, and safety of both their digital and physical components against malicious threats.

1. Fundamentals of Cyber-Physical Systems
   1. Defining Cyber-Physical Systems
      1. Integration of Computation, Networking, and Physical Processes
      2. Real-time Data Acquisition and Processing
      3. Feedback Loops between Cyber and Physical Domains
      4. Characteristics of CPS
         1. Tight Coupling of Cyber and Physical Components
         2. Real-time Constraints
         3. Distributed Architecture
         4. Heterogeneous Components
   2. Core Components of CPS
      1. Sensors
         1. Temperature Sensors
         2. Pressure Sensors
         3. Flow Sensors
         4. Position Sensors
         5. Vibration Sensors
         6. Sensor Data Acquisition Methods
         7. Sensor Calibration Techniques
         8. Sensor Reliability and Fault Detection
      2. Actuators
         1. Electric Motors
         2. Hydraulic Actuators
         3. Pneumatic Actuators
         4. Servo Motors
         5. Actuator Control Mechanisms
         6. Actuator Response Time
      3. Controllers
         1. Embedded Controllers
         2. Control Algorithms
            1. PID Controllers
            2. Model Predictive Control
            3. Fuzzy Logic Controllers
         3. Real-time Processing Requirements
      4. Communication Networks
         1. Wired Communication Technologies
         2. Wireless Communication Technologies
         3. Network Topologies in CPS
            1. Star Topology
            2. Ring Topology
            3. Mesh Topology
            4. Bus Topology
   3. Human-Machine Interfaces
      1. Operator Workstations
      2. Control Panels
      3. Mobile Interfaces
      4. Visualization Systems
   4. Machine-to-Machine Communication
      1. Protocol Standards
      2. Data Exchange Formats
      3. Interoperability Requirements
   5. Distinguishing CPS from Traditional IT Systems
      1. IT versus Operational Technology
         1. IT System Characteristics
         2. OT System Characteristics
         3. Convergence Challenges
      2. Priority Differences
         1. IT Security Priorities
            1. Confidentiality Focus
            2. Data Protection
            3. Information Integrity
         2. CPS Security Priorities
            1. Safety Focus
            2. Process Continuity
            3. Physical System Integrity
            4. Availability Requirements
      3. Failure Impact Analysis
         1. IT System Failures
            1. Data Loss Consequences
            2. Service Disruption
         2. CPS Failures
            1. Physical Damage Potential
            2. Safety Hazards
            3. Environmental Impact
      4. System Lifecycle Constraints
         1. Real-time Operating Requirements
            1. Deterministic Response Times
            2. Timing Constraints
            3. Latency Requirements
         2. Legacy System Challenges
            1. Long Operational Lifespans
            2. Upgrade Difficulties
            3. Compatibility Issues