Security in automation and control systems based on OPC techniques

The modern industrial communication networks are increasingly based on open protocols and various platforms, which are used in the IT (Information Technology) office and the Internet In general, for the TCP/IP protocol suite, a wide range of cryptography-based secure communication now is available. In automation and control systems, which have a number of security relevant characteristics distinct from the IT office, the data transmission may not strictly require. However, data and user authentication as well as access control are crucial for the mission critical and safety critical operation of the automation systems. To mark them, this paper describes the status of relevant specifications and implementations for a number of the standardized automation protocols that is based on OPC techniques. Moreover, this paper provides more security solutions that are proposed and applied in control and monitoring systems to ensure solving system requirements such as optimal performance, system safety, and the ability of preventing the attackers. Besides, this paper also provides more open issues for researching and proposing the optimal security solutions to apply into real industrial systems.