How to Implement SCADA Network Security in ns3

To implement the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) network security in ns3 has encompasses to emulate the SCADA network elements that execute the significant protocols and integrate the security measures to evaluate their efficiency. The provided procedures were the detailed structure to implement the SCADA network security in ns3:

Step-by-Step Implementation:

Step 1: Setup ns3 Environment

1. Install ns-3: Make sure ns3 is installed in the system.
2. Create a Workspace: Create a directory for your ns3 projects and navigate to the ns3 directory.

Step 2: Define the SCADA Network Topology

1. Choose a Network Topology: Describe the SCADA network topology that contains a central SCADA master (controller), RTUs (Remote Terminal Units), and communication channels.
2. Setup Nodes and Devices: Create nodes that denote the SCADA master, RTUs, and other network devices.

Step 3: Implement SCADA Protocols

1. Modbus/TCP or DNP3 Protocols: To execute or configure the Modbus/TCP or DNP3 protocols for communication among SCADA components.
2. Install Protocols: Install the necessary network protocols on the nodes.

Step 4: Implement Security Measures

1. Intrusion Detection System (IDS): To execute the IDS to monitor traffic and detect potential security breaches and we need to include evaluating the packet contents or traffic patterns.
2. Encryption: To apply encryption to secure communication channels between devices.
3. Access Control: Implement access control mechanisms to restrict unauthorized access to the network.

Step 5: Define Security Metrics

1. Latency Measurement: Measure the time taken for commands to travel from the SCADA master to the RTUs and back.
2. Throughput Calculation: Compute the amount of data transmitted over the network.
3. Packet Loss Calculation: Regulate the number of lost or dropped packets.
4. Attack Detection Rate: Evaluate the efficiency of the IDS in detecting attacks.

Step 6: Configure and Run the Simulation

1. Set Simulation Parameters: Define the duration, data rate, and other parameters.
2. Run the Simulation: Execute the simulation and capture the results.

Example Code Snippet

The given below is the sample on how to implement the simple SCADA network and incorporates basic security measures:

#include “ns3/core-module.h”

#include “ns3/network-module.h”

#include “ns3/internet-module.h”

#include “ns3/point-to-point-module.h”

#include “ns3/applications-module.h”

using namespace ns3;

NS_LOG_COMPONENT_DEFINE(“SCADASecurityExample”);

int main(int argc, char *argv[]) {

Time::SetResolution(Time::NS);

NodeContainer scadaMaster, rtus;

scadaMaster.Create(1);

rtus.Create(3);

PointToPointHelper pointToPoint;

pointToPoint.SetDeviceAttribute(“DataRate”, StringValue(“5Mbps”));

pointToPoint.SetChannelAttribute(“Delay”, StringValue(“2ms”));

NetDeviceContainer masterDevices, rtuDevices;

masterDevices = pointToPoint.Install(scadaMaster);

rtuDevices = pointToPoint.Install(rtus);

InternetStackHelper stack;

stack.Install(scadaMaster);

stack.Install(rtus);

Ipv4AddressHelper address;

address.SetBase(“10.1.1.0”, “255.255.255.0”);

Ipv4InterfaceContainer masterInterfaces = address.Assign(masterDevices);

Ipv4InterfaceContainer rtuInterfaces = address.Assign(rtuDevices);

// Example application: Modbus/TCP simulation

uint16_t port = 502;  // Standard Modbus/TCP port

UdpEchoServerHelper echoServer(port);

ApplicationContainer serverApps = echoServer.Install(scadaMaster.Get(0));

serverApps.Start(Seconds(1.0));

serverApps.Stop(Seconds(10.0));

UdpEchoClientHelper echoClient(masterInterfaces.GetAddress(0), port);

echoClient.SetAttribute(“MaxPackets”, UintegerValue(10));

echoClient.SetAttribute(“Interval”, TimeValue(Seconds(1.0)));

echoClient.SetAttribute(“PacketSize”, UintegerValue(1024));

ApplicationContainer clientApps = echoClient.Install(rtus.Get(0));

clientApps.Start(Seconds(2.0));

clientApps.Stop(Seconds(10.0));

Simulator::Run();

Simulator::Destroy();

// Implement your metric calculations here

return 0;

}

Step 7: Analyse Results

1. Collect Data: Collect the simulation data and log it for analysis.
2. Visualize Metrics: Use tools such as gnuplot or matplotlib to visualize the metrics.

Here, we clearly provide the information for SCADA network that helps to measure the security efficiency in the SCADA environment and also provide further details about the SCADA network. We are working on setting up SCADA Network Security using the ns3tool. We’ll show you how to use this tool for your projects that cover popular topics. You can also get project ideas along with simulation results!