Characterization, Simulation and Detection of Cyber-physical attacks on Water Distribution Networks
Riccardo Taormina, PhD
Singapore University of Technology and Design
Alessandra Alario Seminar Room, DEIB (Building 21)
August 29th, 2017
15.00
Contacts: Andrea Castelletti
Water Distribution Networks are cyber-physical systems built on the interaction between physical water assets and networked devices designed to monitor, control, and supervise multiple physical processes. While this technological advancement grants superior levels of service, it exposes both physical and cyber infrastructures to cyber-attacks. The safety-critical role played by water distribution systems makes them attractive targets for terrorism and cyber warfare, raising concerns regarding their vulnerability and potential damages to local communities. These concerns are prompting community-wide efforts to promote and support research on cyberphysical security.
In this seminar, Riccardo Taormina will first present an attack model that defines the elements of the cyber and physical infrastructures that can be attacked, as well as the type of attacks they might be subject to. The talk will continue with the introduction of epanetCPA, an EPANET-based toolbox that allows simulating these attacks and quantifying their effects on both hydraulic and water quality processes. He will conclude the seminar by illustrating an example of an attack detection mechanism featuring unsupervised Deep Learning Neural Networks.
Riccardo Taormina is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the iTrust Center for Research in Cyber Security of Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). He is currently working on cyber security of Water Distribution Networks, developing models, software and algorithms for studying and detecting cyber-physical attacks. Prior to his experience with SUTD, he obtained a PhD in Civil Engineering from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, completing a thesis on data-driven hydrological forecasting. His education background also includes a BSc and MSc in Environmental Engineering from Politecnico di Torino, where he worked as a Research Assistant before starting his PhD.