Cyber-Security and Safety Analysis of Interconnected Water Tank Control Systems

Abstract: Over the last few years, wireless sensor networks have become an interesting tool for controlling processes. Their use in this field has significantly increased based on recent technological advances which permit higher computational power, smaller size and lower cost. This makes them very suitable for integration in large networks of hundreds of interconnected motes that work together being spread in huge areas. However, the wireless nature of these systems make them susceptible to remote attacks, for example by hackers. That is, the wireless devices can be externally manipulated to disturb the correct behavior of the process. In some critical facilities, such as, power plants, hospitals, factories using dangerous materials it is very important to ensure the resiliency and safety of the control system even if a hacker takes full control of some wireless nodes.