Resilient Metro-scale Smart Structures: Challenges & Future Directions

Smart structures are highly inter-connected adaptive systems that are coordinated by cyber systems to optimize specific system objectives. In this paper we consider the challenges for securing metro-scale smart structures. We use a threat model that allows for untrusted behavior to capture realistic IoT scenarios, and discuss vulnerabilities, exploits and attack vectors. Resilience is defined in terms of stability, resistance to damage and self-healing. To illustrate the challenges of capturing resilience we consider two very different applications: supply chain logistics and smart grids. Both are mixed latency and throughput sensitive, each in their own particular way. The first involves scanning RFID tagged objects in pallets. An untrusted RFID reader is given a one-time authenticator to inspect a pallet and identify any missing objects; and, if there are no missing objects, compile a proof of integrity. The reader should not be able to trace objects via unauthorized inspections (privacy). This application uses RS erasure codes that are more appropriate for memory constrained RFID tags. The second application involves securing industrial substation automation systems. These are particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks, and HIL testbeds are used for real-time multilayer vulnerability analysis. For metro-scale applications we propose virtualized testbeds that are portable and suitable for onsite incidence response. For each application we show how metro-scale analytics are used to capture resiliency.