Blockchain technologies in the design of Industrial Control Systems for Smart Cities

TL;DR

This paper explores how integrating blockchain technology into Industrial Control Systems can enhance security, data integrity, and forensic readiness in smart city environments, addressing complex security challenges posed by sensor proliferation.

Contribution

It presents a novel discussion on applying blockchain to ICS in smart cities, highlighting potential benefits for security and forensic capabilities.

Findings

Blockchain can improve data integrity in ICS.

Enhanced security mechanisms for smart city infrastructure.

Potential for improved digital forensic readiness.

Abstract

The proliferation of sensor technologies in Industrial Control Systems (ICS) helped to transform the environment towards better automation, process control and monitoring. However, sensor technologies expose the smart cities of the future to complex security challenges. Luckily, the sensing capabilities also create opportunities to capture various data types, which apart from operational use can add substantial value to developing mechanisms to protect ICS and critical infrastructure. We discuss Blockchain (BC), a disruptive technology with applications ranging from cryptocurrency to smart contracts and the value of integrating BC technologies into the design of ICS to support modern digital forensic readiness.