"Purdue Researchers Create 'Self-Aware' Algorithm to Ward off Hacking Attempts"
The computer models and data analytics that use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to ensure the proper operation of today's electric grids, manufacturing facilities, and power plants could be turned against themselves through false data injection strikes. Researchers at Purdue University developed a new self-cognizant and self-healing technology for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) to protect them against both internal and external threats. The team behind the project uses the background noise within cyberphysical systems' data streams to embed invisible, continuously changing one-time-use signals that can turn passive components into active watchers. Therefore, any attempt by a hacker to introduce falsified data will be immediately detected and rejected by the system itself, even if the attacker has an exact duplicate of the system's model. The detection and rejection of these attempts do not require any human response. This article continues to discuss the research and development behind the novel technology that equips computer models with covert cognizance to protect electric grids, manufacturing facilities, nucelear plants, and more from hackers.