Simulating a cyber-attack on an autonomous sea surface vessel's rudder controller

This paper provides a brief overview of the research and practical achievements in the field of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASSs). Emphasis is placed on cyber security. A cyber-attack on the MASS rudder controller is simulated, while its effect on the rudder behavior is analyzed. The Kalman filter, as an additional device to the rudder controller, is used as a cyber-attack mitigation aid. The MATLAB simulation results gave insight into the system behavior without and with the Kalman filter, in the conditions of a simulated intrusion on the input and output signals of MASS.

I. Introduction

Innovative maritime information and operational technology solutions enabled the emergence of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASSs) as cyber-physical systems. The information technology manages administrative operations and data, while the operational technology encompasses a wide range of programable controllers, which enable the convergence of the cyber and physical systems [1];[2].