Grid Information Security Research Articles

Research on the defense mechanism based on FDIA in smart grid

With the extensive application of communication and information technology in power grid, the physical fusion system of power information develops rapidly, which makes the realization of every link in smart power grid rely on the support of information network. Although smart grid information can greatly enhance the performance of the power system, it also brings new security risks to the power system. FDIA (False Data Injection Attacks), as one of the most harmful Attacks to the stability of the power system, has attracted the attention of information security researchers. Therefore, this paper aims at the defense mechanism of power grid FDIA to discuss the protection strategy of power grid information security.

Design of Information Security Access System in the Power Grid Based on Improved Bayesian Algorithm

Aiming at the problems existing in the traditional power grid information security access system, such as poor data processing timeliness, low recall rate and low information filtering accuracy, a power grid information security access system based on improved Bayesian algorithm is proposed. In the part of hardware design, the data source layer, data acquisition layer, data access layer, data storage layer, bus layer, application support layer and application layer are designed from bottom to top according to the idea of layered design, and the application support suite and main function modules of the system are developed. In the part of software design, the traditional Bayesian algorithm is improved, and the improved algorithm is used to construct the internal information filter of the power grid, which is applied in the information security access system to realize the security access of the internal information of the power grid. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional system, the information security access system based on improved Bayesian algorithm has better data processing timeliness, higher recall rate and higher information filtering accuracy, and its application advantages are more obvious.

Combination of D-AHP and Grey Theory for the Assessment of the Information Security Risks of Smart Grids

As a modern power infrastructure, smart grids have great advantages over traditional power grids, but their effective operation is largely restricted by information security. Hence, a smart grid information security risk assessment (ISRA) method is proposed. This method combines D numbers to improve the classical analytic hierarchy process (D-AHP) independent of experts’ subjective qualitative assessment and then integrated with grey theory which does not require complete and unambiguous information. First, we establish a smart grid ISRA system according to the characteristics and development reality of smart grid technology. The proposed system includes 5 first-level indexes as an intelligent terminal, a wireless communication channel, password security, application code and embedded system, and corresponding 13 secondary indexes. Second, a D-AHP method aimed at the uncertainty of human subjective judgment and fuzziness of language assessment is used to obtain the weight of each index. The D-AHP method is then combined with the grey assessment matrix solved by grey theory, to obtain the comprehensive assessment value and corresponding risk grade. With a smart grid demonstration project in Suzhou, China, as an example, an empirical study is carried out using expert scoring. The comprehensive assessment risk value is 3.8199, and the corresponding risk level is moderate. The results of this work could serve as a reference for the information security protection of smart grids.

The Effect of SMiShing Attack on Security of Demand Response Programs

Demand response (DR) is a vital element for a reliable and sustainable power grid. Consumer behavior is a key factor in the success of DR programs. In this study, we focus on how consumer reaction to Short Messaging Service (SMS) messages can disturb the demand response. We present a new type of threat to DR programs using SMS phishing attacks. We follow a holistic approach starting from a risk assessment focusing on DR programs’ notification message security following the Smart Grid Information Security (SGIS) risk methodology. We identify threats, conduct impact analysis, and estimate the likelihood of the attacks for various attacker types and motivations. We implemented deterministic and randomized attack scenarios to demonstrate the success of the attack using a state-of-the-art simulator on the IEEE European Low Voltage Feeder Test System. Simulations show that the attack results in local outages, which may lead to large-scale blackouts with the cascading effect on the power system. We conclude that this is a new type of threat that has been overlooked, and it deserves more attention as mobile devices will continually be part of our lives.

Resiliency of Smart Power Meters to Common Security Attacks

The development of Smart Grid power systems is gaining momentum in many countries leading to massive deployment of smart meters to realize the envisioned benefits. However, there are several concerns among the consumer communities and the service providers with respect to information security when it comes to the deployment of smart meters. This paper attempts to address the main challenge related to smart grid information security by examining the resiliency of smart meters to security threats and attacks. Several common information security attacks are being used to study their impact on the performance of smart meters in a controlled laboratory environment. Results obtained showed drastic effect on the functionality of smart meters and their associated data gathering servers.

Information Security Risk Assessment of Smart Grid Based on Absorbing Markov Chain and SPA

Abstract To assess and prevent the smart grid information security risks more effectively, this paper provides risk index quantitative calculation method based on absorbing Markov chain to overcome the deficiencies that links between system components were not taken into consideration and studies mostly were limited to static evaluation. The method avoids the shortcomings of traditional Expert Score with significant subjective factors and also considers the links between information system components, which make the risk index system closer to the reality. Then, a smart grid information security risk assessment model on the basis of set pair analysis improved by Markov chain was established. Using the identity, discrepancy, and contradiction of connection degree to dynamically reflect the trend of smart grid information security risk and combining with the Markov chain to calculate connection degree of the next period, the model implemented the smart grid information security risk assessment comprehensively and dynamically. Finally, this paper proves that the established model is scientific, effective, and feasible to dynamically evaluate the smart grid information security risks.

Grid Information Security Functional Requirement Fulfilling Information Security of a Smart Grid System

This paper describes the background of smart information infrastructure and the needs for smart grid information security. It introduces the conceptual analysis to the methodology with the application of hermeneutic circle and information security functional requirement identification. Information security for the grid market cover matters includes automation and communications industry that affects the operation of electric power systems and the functioning of the utilities that manage them and its awareness of this information infrastructure has become critical to the reliability of the power system. Community benefits from of cost savings, flexibility and deployment along with the establishment of wireless communications. However, concern revolves around the security protections for easily accessible devices such as the smart meter and the related communications hardware. On the other hand, the changing points between traditional versus smart grid networking trend and the information security importance on the communication field reflects the criticality of grid information security functional requirement identification. The goal of this paper is to identify the functional requirement and relate its significance addresses to the consumer requirement of an information security of a smart grid. Vulnerabilities may bring forth possibility for an attacker to penetrate a network, make headway admission to control software, alter it to load conditions that destabilize the grid in unpredictable ways. Focusing on the grid information security functional requirement is stepping ahead in developing consumer trust and satisfaction toward smart grid completeness.