Cybersecurity protection for power grid control infrastructures

Abstract Modern power grid control systems are not isolated islands – disturbances in one system can cause instabilities or even blackouts in adjacent systems. Cyber attacks on power grids could result in significant economic losses. Indeed, cyber weapons have already targeted power systems in Europe. This paper describes a cybersecurity protection approach for power grid control systems. It presents an analysis of a domestic power grid control system that emphasizes the identification of key elements of the infrastructure and their importance to power grid security. In addition, it provides a unique perspective based on experience with the system design process – from the identification of requirements to their application in operator control and supervisory substations. The paper also discusses how to verify the functionality provided by an implemented cybersecurity system. This approach is expected to assist in the design and implementation of power grid protection systems. Moreover, the approach can be adjusted to develop security systems for other critical infrastructure assets such as gas and chemical processing facilities, water and wastewater systems.