Blockchain-based model for tracking compliance with security requirements

Abstract

The increasing threat landscape in Industrial Control Systems (ICS) brings different risk profiles with comprehensive impacts on society and safety. The complexity of cybersecurity risk assessment increases with a variety of third-party software components that comprise a modern ICS supply chain. A central issue in software supply chain security is the evaluation whether the secure development lifecycle process (SDL) is being methodologically and continuously practiced by all vendors. In this paper, we investigate the possibility of using a decentralized, tamper-proof system that will provide trustworthy visibility of the SDL metrics over a certain period, to any authorized auditing party. Results of the research provide a model for creating a blockchain-based approach that allows inclusion of auditors through a consortium decision while responding to SDL use cases defined by this paper. The resulting blockchain architecture successfully responded to requirements mandated by the security management practice as defined by IEC 62443-4-1 standard.