Embedded Plug-In Devices to Secure Industrial Network Communications

With Ethernet as an ubiquitous technology also emerging in industrial networks, security is becoming one of the most important aspects. Whereas IT-networks together with their security features in the office domain are subject of a dynamic change, networks in the industrial environment have a long operational time and therefore are more vulnerable to unauthorized access due to outdated hard- and software components. IT-threats such as Stuxnet are targeted to these areas and in the case of a failure of, e.g., a critical infrastructure this can directly harm the public security. Hence, in this paper a concept of an embedded plug-in device is proposed that secures the authentication and integrity of communication flows between two communicating network parties. A key focus of the development is the message authentication mechanism without neglecting the safety aspect imperative for industrial networks.