Open Access

ARTICLE

Towards Net Zero Resilience: A Futuristic Architectural Strategy for Cyber-Attack Defence in Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT)

Hariharan Ramachandran^1,*, Richard Smith², Kenny Awuson David^1,*, Tawfik Al-Hadhrami³, Parag Acharya¹

1 The Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), London, E14 4PU, UK
2 School of Computer Science and Informatics Cyber Technology Institute, De Montfort University, Leicester, LE1 9BH, UK
3 Computer Science Department, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK

* Corresponding Authors: Hariharan Ramachandran. Email: ; Kenny Awuson David. Email:

Computers, Materials & Continua 2025, 82(2), 3619-3641. https://doi.org/10.32604/cmc.2024.054802

Received 07 June 2024; Accepted 26 September 2024; Issue published 17 February 2025

Abstract

This paper introduces the Integrated Security Embedded Resilience Architecture (ISERA) as an advanced resilience mechanism for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT) environments. The ISERA framework integrates security by design principles, micro-segmentation, and Island Mode Operation (IMO) to enhance cyber resilience and ensure continuous, secure operations. The methodology deploys a Forward-Thinking Architecture Strategy (FTAS) algorithm, which utilises an industrial Intrusion Detection System (IDS) implemented with Python’s Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) library. The FTAS algorithm successfully identified and responded to cyber-attacks, ensuring minimal system disruption. ISERA has been validated through comprehensive testing scenarios simulating Denial of Service (DoS) attacks and malware intrusions, at both the IT and OT layers where it successfully mitigates the impact of malicious activity. Results demonstrate ISERA’s efficacy in real-time threat detection, containment, and incident response, thus ensuring the integrity and reliability of critical infrastructure systems. ISERA’s decentralised approach contributes to global net zero goals by optimising resource use and minimising environmental impact. By adopting a decentralised control architecture and leveraging virtualisation, ISERA significantly enhances the cyber resilience and sustainability of critical infrastructure systems. This approach not only strengthens defences against evolving cyber threats but also optimises resource allocation, reducing the system’s carbon footprint. As a result, ISERA ensures the uninterrupted operation of essential services while contributing to broader net zero goals.

---

Keywords

---