RoArch: A Novel Approach for Handling Security Incidents in ROS-Based Systems

Abstract

In the face of escalating cybersecurity threats targeting robotic systems, the need for advanced forensic frameworks has become critical. Robotic systems, now crucial in key sectors, lack specialized forensic tools, leading to vulnerabilities in security and operational reliability. This article introduces RoArch, a novel forensic framework tailored for robotic systems, addressing the urgent need for specialized forensic tools in this fast-evolving domain. As robotics become integral to sectors like healthcare, defense, and industrial automation, the demand for tailored forensic methodologies has risen. RoArch features two main components: the RoboShell tool for interactive command execution and anomaly detection, and the RuFo framework for capturing live and volatile data, designed to work with both ROS and ROS2 platforms. This research delves into RoArch’s architecture, functionality, and practical effectiveness, with a focus on its versatility in various robotic environments and forensic challenges. Through an in-depth analysis, the article illustrates RoArch’s utility in scenarios such as cyber security breach investigations in TurtleBot3 robots, underlining its real-world applicability. RoArch represents a significant leap in robotic forensics, promising to improve the reliability and security of robotic systems in numerous industries. The paper concludes by discussing RoArch’s future potential in robotic forensics, advocating for expanded compatibility and the integration of machine learning for enhanced predictive analysis.