• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.60 no.4
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• pp.492-498
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• 2022

Process control systems used in most domestic petrochemical corporates today are based on the Windows platforms. As technology leans toward opened environment, the exposure risk of control systems is increasing. However, not many companies are preparing for various cyberattacks due to lack of awareness and misunderstanding of cyber intrusion. This study investigated the extent of how much exposed the petrochemical process control system is to security threats and suggested practical measures to reduce OT cybersecurity vulnerabilities. To identify the cyber threat status of process control systems, vulnerabilities of the Windows platform, a principal cyber threat factor, have been analyzed. For research, three major DCS providers in Korea and the discontinuation of Windows platform of 635 control systems were investigated. It was confirmed that 78% of the survey subjects were still operating in the discontinued windows platforms, and those process control systems were operated in a state vulnerable to cyber intrusions. In order to actively cope with these cyber threats, legal regulations such as designation of critical infrastructure for major petrochemical facilities which is implemented in advanced countries such as the United States are needed. Additionally, it is necessary to take the initiative in eradicating security threats to the process control systems by aggressively introducing security solutions provided from existing DCS suppliers. This paper was submitted to Professor Ko JaeWook's retirement anniversary issue.