New Approach Could Protect Control Systems From Hackers

Good news! Real time transmissions in industrial control systems are not encrypted, because of time delay.

"... The approach involves the transmission of real-time data over an unencrypted channel, as conventionally done. In the experiment, a specialized algorithm in the form of a recursive watermark (RWM) signal is transmitted at the same time. The algorithm encodes a signal that is similar to “background noise,” but with a distinct pattern. On the receiving end of the data transmission, the RWM signal is monitored for any disruptions, which, if present, indicate an attack is taking place. ... Critically, a special “key” for deciphering the RWM algorithm is transmitted through an encrypted channel from the sender to the receiver before the data transmission takes place."

New Approach Could Protect Control Systems From Hackers - IEEE Spectrum