Analysis of Malware-Induced Cyber Attacks in Cyber-Physical Power Systems

Abstract

In this brief, we analyze the damage caused by malware-induced cyber attacks in Cyber-Physical Power Systems (CPPSs). Incubation period and detection probability of the malware are considered in our analytical framework. From attacker’s perspective, the trade-off between attack effectiveness and detection risk is studied to help choose the best attack timing and obtain the maximum payoff. Moreover, we conduct case studies in CPPSs formed by coupling IEEE 118-Bus System with scale-free communication networks. Simulation results reveal that the maximum expected payoff for the attacker is affected by the coupling pattern and the structure of communication network in CPPSs.