Blockchain-based cyber-security enhancement of cyber–physical power system through symmetric encryption mechanism

Abstract

The increasing dependence on the communication network in monitoring, operating, and controlling power systems increases the threat of cyber-attacks. Cyber attacks could harm the power system’s functioning and cause substantial economic losses. Malicious injection of compromised synchrophasor measurements is capable of hampering adequate control actions and jeopardizing the security and reliability of the power system. To tackle this issue, an adequate method for detecting cyber intrusion in the communication network should be developed for the secure operation of the cyber–physical power system. Blockchain has evolved as a proven technology that holds the potential for enhancing grid security. In this paper, we investigate the application of blockchain for enhancing grid security and propose a random sequence-based symmetric encryption algorithm that uses a blockchain-based secure platform for sharing the decryption keys. The presence of cyber-attack has been identified using a weighted least square-based state estimator. We have further developed a cyber-attack simulator application that could emulate the behavior of a false data injector and proposed the attack detection mechanism. The developed technology has been tested on IEEE 14 bus test systems.