Providing an access control layer to web-based applications for the industrial domain

Abstract

The advances in virtual engineering brought about the creation of models of physical systems. This has been enhanced by the use of relevant standards and web technologies to develop interfaces for monitoring and controlling industrial systems at the shop floor or remotely over the internet. However, owing to the open nature of the internet as well as vulnerabilities associated with internet-based technologies, it becomes imperative to put in place security measures. This will allow to mitigate this particularly as it concerns the management, control, and monitoring of entities making use of the interface. The first step is to ensure an efficient user access control for web-based solutions. This article proposes an approach for developing an access control layer to web applications. In addition, a web-based application, i.e., the FASTory simulator, is used as the test-bed for implementing this approach.