Intrusion Detection and Automated Monitoring for Protection of Critical Infrastructures

ABSTRACTCritical infrastructures have continued to be the object of attacks globally. Critical infrastructures can either be digital or physical infrastructures and the attacks on such infrastructures are generally considered as cyber-attacks and vandalism. In Nigeria, traditional methods such as perimeter fencing, use of security operatives and others have been attempted to protect these devices but with little success rate. This study proposes a tech-driven approach of intrusion monitoring and detection to protect critical infrastructure. It adopts a microcontroller-based system integrated with Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors, GSM module and powered with a solar panel for round-the-clock operation. To implement the developed intrusion detection system, a laboratory-scale power distribution substation model was developed with the intrusion detection system incorporated. The developed system report intrusion via mobile call to preset mobile phone number and also a buzzer alarm was set off to alert the immediate neighborhood of an intruder. Experimental results revealed that at minimum sensitivity, the range of PIR sensor coverage was 6 m, 8 m with medium sensitivity and 16 m with maximum sensitivity. Even though increased PIR sensitivity resulted in improved sensor range there was drawback due to increased latency in GSM communication to stakeholders regarding detected intrusion. The developed system would be useful in preventing intrusion, vandalism and theft of physical infrastructures in Nigeria and Africa. Keywords: Intrusion Detection, Automated Monitoring, Critical Infrastructure, PIR Sensor