CGAN-based cyber deception framework against reconnaissance attacks in ICS

Abstract

In recent years, Industrial Control Systems (ICSs) have faced increasing vulnerability to cyber attacks due to their integration with the Internet. Despite efforts to enhance cybersecurity, reconnaissance attacks remain a significant threat, prompting the need for innovative defensive strategies. This paper introduces a novel approach to strengthen the defensive capabilities of ICS networks against reconnaissance attacks using machine learning-driven cyber deception techniques. Leveraging Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (CGANs), the proposed framework dynamically generates defensive network topologies to network shuffling and implement deception strategies, prioritizing system availability. Extensive simulations demonstrate the superior efficacy of the proposed framework in enhancing cybersecurity while minimizing computational overhead. By effectively mitigating reconnaissance attacks, this solution reinforces the resilience of ICS networks, safeguarding critical industrial infrastructure from evolving cyber threats. These findings underscore the significance of adopting machine learning-based cyber deception as a pragmatic security measure for protecting ICS networks in real-world industrial contexts.