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Title: Network Randomization and Dynamic Defense for Critical Infrastructure Systems

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/1179040· OSTI ID:1179040

Critical Infrastructure control systems continue to foster predictable communication paths, static configurations, and unpatched systems that allow easy access to our nation's most critical assets. This makes them attractive targets for cyber intrusion. We seek to address these attack vectors by automatically randomizing network settings, randomizing applications on the end devices themselves, and dynamically defending these systems against active attacks. Applying these protective measures will convert control systems into moving targets that proactively defend themselves against attack. Sandia National Laboratories has led this effort by gathering operational and technical requirements from Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and performing research and development to create a proof-of-concept solution. Our proof-of-concept has been tested in a laboratory environment with over 300 nodes. The vision of this project is to enhance control system security by converting existing control systems into moving targets and building these security measures into future systems while meeting the unique constraints that control systems face.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Electricity (OE), Advanced Grid Research & Development. Power Systems Engineering Research
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
1179040
Report Number(s):
SAND2015-3324; 583508
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English