Master's Thesis: Secure IT/OT Convergence in Network-Centric Control Architectures
publicerat av ABB
- Företag
- ABB
- Ort
- Västerås
- Sista ansökningsdag
- Löpande urval
- Nivå
- Master/civilingenjör (30 hp)
- Antal studenter
- 1–2 studenter
- Period
- First half of 2027, 30 ECTS
- Arbetsform
- Hybrid
- Passar program
- Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Cybersecurity, Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering
- Kontaktperson
- Oliver Ehlorsson Lindberg, Recruiting Manager
Beskrivning
Network-centric industrial control architectures allow more flexible communication and workload distribution, but weaken the separation between IT and OT that traditionally helps contain cyber threats. This thesis at ABB Automation will explore how these environments can converge without compromising industrial security, safety or reliability. Selected security approaches will be demonstrated and evaluated in an industrial use case.
The assignment
- Examine the cybersecurity risks arising from closer integration of IT and OT environments.
- Review potential security mechanisms, explain how they work and evaluate their suitability.
- Design and implement selected safeguards in ABB’s Ice Cream Factory use case, developed in .NET 10.
- Evaluate the implemented solutions, including their effectiveness, advantages and limitations.
Who we are looking for
- One or two students undertaking a master’s thesis.
- Relevant knowledge may include computer networking, IP addressing, TCP/IP, subnetting, routing and network troubleshooting.
- Understanding of cybersecurity fundamentals and network protection, such as authentication, authorization, encryption, PKI, firewalls, segmentation and VPNs.
- Familiarity with threat modelling, risk assessment and industrial protocols such as OPC UA, Modbus TCP or PROFINET is relevant.
- Programming experience in C# or a comparable language.
- An open, collaborative approach, with the ability to communicate findings, discuss alternatives and independently guide the work.
- Proficiency in English is required.
What we offer
- Access to ABB’s R&D specialists and engineers in Västerås.
- Insight into large-scale development projects within Process Control Platform, which develops industrial automation hardware and software.
- An office desk and the flexibility to carry out a substantial portion of the work remotely.
Practical details
Planned period: first half of 2027; scope: 30 ECTS. For one or two students, based at Ängsgärdsgatan 6 in Västerås with remote working possible. Living within commuting distance is preferred. Submit a CV, academic transcripts and a cover letter in English. Positions are filled on an ongoing basis. ABB describes this listing as a talent-pipeline opportunity rather than a currently open position; applications express interest in future opportunities. Questions can be directed to recruiting manager Oliver Ehlorsson Lindberg at +46 72 461 21 08.
Förkunskapskrav
English proficiency is required. Relevant competencies include computer networks and communication systems, cybersecurity fundamentals, network security, threat modelling, risk assessment, C# or similar programming, and industrial communication protocols. ABB also values collaboration, clear communication and the ability to direct the work independently.
Texten är en sammanfattning av ABBs annons. Läs hela annonsen och ansök hos ABB