Detection of zero-dynamics attacks in industrial networked control systems: comparative analysis of passive and active approaches

Abstract Zero-dynamics assaults (ZDAs) are a stealthy class of cyber-physical threats that leverage the inherent zero dynamics of industrial networked control systems (NCSs) to avoid detection. This paper offers a comparative analysis of two ZDA detection strategies-passive and active-applied to two...

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Main Authors: Ayesha Ayub, Muhammad Asim khan, Zuhairiah Zainal Abidin, Naglaa F. Soliman, Hamza Ahmad
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-05-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01933-z
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author Ayesha Ayub
Muhammad Asim khan
Zuhairiah Zainal Abidin
Naglaa F. Soliman
Hamza Ahmad
author_facet Ayesha Ayub
Muhammad Asim khan
Zuhairiah Zainal Abidin
Naglaa F. Soliman
Hamza Ahmad
author_sort Ayesha Ayub
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Zero-dynamics assaults (ZDAs) are a stealthy class of cyber-physical threats that leverage the inherent zero dynamics of industrial networked control systems (NCSs) to avoid detection. This paper offers a comparative analysis of two ZDA detection strategies-passive and active-applied to two benchmark industrial processes: the Tennessee Eastman Process (TEP) and the Sextuple Tank Process (STP). The passive technique involves changing system dynamics through matrix perturbation, actuator gain modification, and sensor enhancement, resulting in a detection accuracy of up to 83% with a minimum detection latency of 2.003 ms. An Intermittent Unknown Input Kalman Filter (IIKF) is used in the active technique, which allows for ongoing monitoring even in the event of induced data loss but results in higher detection delays, especially in noisy environments. In contrast to earlier theoretical studies, our research prioritizes real-world applicability by examining practical implementation issues, scalability, and the trade-offs among accuracy, detection speed, and system redesign costs. The results connect theoretical concepts with practical implementation, providing recommendations to improve the cybersecurity of industrial NCSs against advanced stealth assaults.
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issn 2045-2322
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spelling doaj-art-13f90efdc73841ab8aadca76e36ade592025-08-20T03:08:25ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-05-0115112510.1038/s41598-025-01933-zDetection of zero-dynamics attacks in industrial networked control systems: comparative analysis of passive and active approachesAyesha Ayub0Muhammad Asim khan1Zuhairiah Zainal Abidin2Naglaa F. Soliman3Hamza Ahmad4Advanced Telecommunication Research Center (ATRC), Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn MalaysiaSchool of Mathematical Sciences, Universiti Sains MalaysiaAdvanced Telecommunication Research Center (ATRC), Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn MalaysiaDepartment of Information Technology, College of Computer and Information Sciences, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman UniversityDepartment of Electrical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology MardanAbstract Zero-dynamics assaults (ZDAs) are a stealthy class of cyber-physical threats that leverage the inherent zero dynamics of industrial networked control systems (NCSs) to avoid detection. This paper offers a comparative analysis of two ZDA detection strategies-passive and active-applied to two benchmark industrial processes: the Tennessee Eastman Process (TEP) and the Sextuple Tank Process (STP). The passive technique involves changing system dynamics through matrix perturbation, actuator gain modification, and sensor enhancement, resulting in a detection accuracy of up to 83% with a minimum detection latency of 2.003 ms. An Intermittent Unknown Input Kalman Filter (IIKF) is used in the active technique, which allows for ongoing monitoring even in the event of induced data loss but results in higher detection delays, especially in noisy environments. In contrast to earlier theoretical studies, our research prioritizes real-world applicability by examining practical implementation issues, scalability, and the trade-offs among accuracy, detection speed, and system redesign costs. The results connect theoretical concepts with practical implementation, providing recommendations to improve the cybersecurity of industrial NCSs against advanced stealth assaults.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01933-zZDA detectionNetworked Control SystemsCyber SecurityIndustrial AutomationTennessee Eastman ProcessSextuple Tank Process
spellingShingle Ayesha Ayub
Muhammad Asim khan
Zuhairiah Zainal Abidin
Naglaa F. Soliman
Hamza Ahmad
Detection of zero-dynamics attacks in industrial networked control systems: comparative analysis of passive and active approaches
Scientific Reports
ZDA detection
Networked Control Systems
Cyber Security
Industrial Automation
Tennessee Eastman Process
Sextuple Tank Process
title Detection of zero-dynamics attacks in industrial networked control systems: comparative analysis of passive and active approaches
title_full Detection of zero-dynamics attacks in industrial networked control systems: comparative analysis of passive and active approaches
title_fullStr Detection of zero-dynamics attacks in industrial networked control systems: comparative analysis of passive and active approaches
title_full_unstemmed Detection of zero-dynamics attacks in industrial networked control systems: comparative analysis of passive and active approaches
title_short Detection of zero-dynamics attacks in industrial networked control systems: comparative analysis of passive and active approaches
title_sort detection of zero dynamics attacks in industrial networked control systems comparative analysis of passive and active approaches
topic ZDA detection
Networked Control Systems
Cyber Security
Industrial Automation
Tennessee Eastman Process
Sextuple Tank Process
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-01933-z
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AT zuhairiahzainalabidin detectionofzerodynamicsattacksinindustrialnetworkedcontrolsystemscomparativeanalysisofpassiveandactiveapproaches
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