In this paper we propose a novel methodology to assist in identifying
vulnerabilities in a real-world complex heterogeneous industrial control
systems (ICS) using two evolutionary multiobjective optimisation (EMO)
algorithms, NSGA-II and SPEA2. Our approach is evaluated on a well known
benchmark chemical plant simulator, the Tennessee Eastman (TE) process model.
We identified vulnerabilities in individual components of the TE model and then
made use of these to generate combinatorial attacks to damage the safety of the
system, and to cause economic loss. Results were compared against random
attacks, and the performance of the EMO algorithms were evaluated using
hypervolume, spread and inverted generational distance (IGD) metrics. A defence
against these attacks in the form of a novel intrusion detection system was
developed, using a number of machine learning algorithms. Designed approach was
further tested against the developed detection methods. Results demonstrate
that EMO algorithms are a promising tool in the identification of the most
vulnerable components of ICS, and weaknesses of any existing detection systems
in place to protect the system. The proposed approach can be used by control
and security engineers to design security aware control, and test the
effectiveness of security mechanisms, both during design, and later during
system operation.