Investigating the Implications of Operations Technology in Cyber Crimes
K. Prabhu Rajasekar, D. Vezhaventhan · 2024
This study examines how robots, Internet of Things (IoT), and industrial control systems (ICS) interact with critical infrastructure and how it affects forensic investigations. It is critical to comprehend the consequences of these technologies for digital forensics and criminal investigation as they become more and more integrated. In order to promote forensic science and cybersecurity in critical infrastructure protection, this research attempts to examine the prospects, risks, and best practices in doing forensic investigations using ICS, IoT, and robots. Forensic investigations face both potential and problems as a result of the integration of robots, Internet of Things (IoT), and industrial control systems (ICS) in critical infrastructure. This study looks at how these technologies affect forensic procedures in industries including manufacturing, transportation, and energy. This research intends to give insights into the difficulties of investigating cyber events and physical security breaches in industrial contexts by examining current literature, analyzing case studies, and identifying major issues. The results highlight how crucial it is to improve forensic preparedness and cybersecurity resilience via multidisciplinary cooperation, specialized training, and adherence to regulatory norms. With suggestions for reducing risks and enhancing investigation techniques in the face of changing threats, this study advances forensic science and cybersecurity in the protection of vital infrastructure. The revolution in critical infrastructure systems has been brought about by the confluence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). However, these systems are now vulnerable to cyberattacks as a result of this integration. In the present work, we examine cybercrimes that target industrial robots in critical infrastructure. We specifically concentrate on the interactions that occur in IT/OT contexts between Industrial Internet of Things (IoT), Industrial Control Systems (ICS), Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). The goal of our study is to improve knowledge of cyberthreats, vulnerabilities, and defenses in this intricate ecosystem.