Enhanced Cyber-Physical System Security: A Model Checking Approach Using UPPAAL for OT-Specific Applications

Abstract

Introduction: Cyber-physical systems (CPS) unite computing elements and physical operations but remain vulnerable to cybersecurity threats which threaten human safety along with environmental safety. These systems experience high susceptibility to attack when cybercriminals conduct the five phases of communication while comprehending the IT and operational technology aspects of the targeted system. Security enhancement along with prevention of malicious activities requires immediate attention to these system vulnerabilities. This paper establishes an all-inclusive framework which includes specific recommendations that guide security assessment of CPS while focusing on operational technology (OT) and employing the UPPAAL model checking tool.

Objectives: A research method for CPS security verification serves as the main goal to develop security verification methods which meet inherent safety standards. A three-fold approach to CPS security management consists of establishing safety-oriented security constraints while building security threat detection systems and adding model checking protocols for defense system reinforcement. The research expands security modeling by designing a specific Attack Module which targets OT-based cyber threats. The research utilizes UPPAAL’s dynamic simulation tools to identify precise security threats by performing system evaluations of human-computer interfaces while developing a continuous security assessment framework.

Method: The research handles security verification through structured utilization of UPPAAL which operates as a formal verification tool. The safety requirements of CPS OT components form the basis of security constraints at the starting point. A series of tests under model checking procedures ensures both the effectiveness and identification of potential vulnerabilities. Real-time reactivity and advanced simulation methods in UPPAAL allow users to properly define temporal characteristics of system behaviors. The OT-specific Attack Module permits operators to perform simulations of cyber attacks for determining system resilience through its integrated features.

Result: The requested method led to vital findings which verify its success in safeguarding CPS systems. The predefined security rules allow real-time detection of threats that originate from operating technology safety requirements. Model checking in cooperation with UPPAAL helps achieve exhaustive security measure verification. The Attack Module which was developed proved successful in creating OT-specific threat models which delivered important system vulnerability information.

Conclusion: Research findings demonstrate that formal verification remains crucial for protecting CPS against cyber attacks in actual systems. The researchers used UPPAAL simulation techniques to develop an effective framework that detects and resolves security weaknesses in Operational Technology systems. System protection improves significantly when security constraints receive structured implementation while an Attack Module is integrated into the system. Security assessments under the proposed methodology run continuously to maintain long-term readiness against developing cyber threats in the environment. Research efforts in the coming period will concentrate on verifying the security evaluation procedures while adding support for different CPS frameworks to apply this method.