Strengthening of Power Grid Protection Systems Against Cyber-Attacks: A Comprehensive Review
Subject Areas : electrical and computer engineeringZahra Pourahmad 1 , R. Hooshmand 2 , S. Mohammad Madani 3
1 - Electrical Engineering Dept. University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2 -
3 - Electrical Engineering Dept., University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
Keywords: Cyber-attack, resilience, power network, protection system, relay.,
Abstract :
Protective systems constitute the most vital defensive element of power networks against unusual conditions. Therefore, any malfunction caused by cyber-attacks may cause huge consequences for power networks such as widespread blackouts. Among the most critical protective systems vulnerable to cyber intrusions are generator protection, transmission lines, and transformers. Cyber sabotages can be mitigated through strategic proceedings to reduce their impact on the network. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the methods of strengthening the protection system against cyber-attacks, given the importance of power network protection systems. For this purpose, in the first step, protection-based methods for strengthening the power network against cyber-attacks are presented. Then, in the second step, detection-based methods are described to reveal a possible cyber-attack. Since there is no definite guarantee against cyber intrusions, it is possible to prevent the progress of the attack by using attack detection methods. To this end, two types of data-based and model-based algorithms are utilized. In data-based algorithms, network knowledge and information can be optimally used to detect the conditions of cyber-attack compared to the conditions without cyber-attack. In model-based algorithms, parameters of the network are estimated by executing state estimation algorithms based on system relations. Then, data manipulation and cyber intrusions are detected despite the discrepancy between the estimated values and the measured values. Consequently, the use of defense and detection methods to deal with cyber intrusion leads to an increase in the cyber security of the power grid protection system. In this regard, it is very important to use various defense and detection algorithms in combating cyber-attacks.