Intentional Electromagnetic Interference Attacks Research Articles

Vulnerability of Smart Grid-enabled Protection Relays to IEMI

Abstract. The electricity sector has been undergoing transformations towards the smart grid concept, which aims to improve the robustness, efficiency, and flexibility of the power system. This transition has been achieved by the introduction of smart electronic devices (SEDs) and advanced automatic control and communication systems. Despite the benefits of such modernization, safety issues have emerged with significant concern by experts and entities worldwide. One of these issues is known as Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI), where offenders employ high-power electromagnetic sources to maliciously disrupt or damage electronic devices. One of the possible gateways for IEMI attacks targeting the smart grids is the microprocessor-based protection relays. On the one hand, the malfunctioning of these devices can lead to equipment damage, including high-voltage equipment (e.g., power transformers), which represent one of the most high-cost items of energy infrastructure. On the other hand, a possible misleading triggering of these devices could cause cascading effects along the various nodes of the power system, resulting in widespread blackouts. Thus, this study presents the possible recurring effects of IEMI exposure of a typical protection relay used in smart grid substations as part of the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. For this purpose, a test setup containing a smart grid protective unit, a monitoring box, and the device's wiring harness is exposed to radiated IEMI threats with high-power narrowband signals using a TEM waveguide and horn antennas. The effects during the test campaigns are observed by means of an IEMI-hardened camera system and a software developed to real-time monitor the device's fibre optic communication link, which is established according to the IEC 60870-5-105 protocol. The results revealed failures ranging from display deviation to various types of protection relay shutdown. Moreover, the consequences of the identified failures in a power substation are discussed to feed into a risk analysis regarding the threat of IEMI to power infrastructures.

Susceptibility of Commercial-Off-The-Shelf Sensors to IEMI using Pulse Modulated Signals

Abstract. The use of sensors has grown dramatically in recent years and many devices rely on the information they provide. The lack of proper security mechanisms available to control the use of sensors and the high degree of integration make them more vulnerable to Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI). The aim of this paper was to investigate the impact of IEMI on separate sensors with privileged access to the hardware and software to pursue a deep analysis of the effects of IEMI attacks using pulse modulated signals. Measurements were carried out in a shielded hall using an open TEM (Transverse Electromagnetic) waveguide in the 100 MHz–7.5 GHz frequency range. A variety of effects were observed and significant differences were found with pulse modulated signals compared to continuous wave signals. These results indicate weak points in the sensors hardware leading to possible hardening measures.

Susceptibility of a Smart Home to Intentional Electromagnetic Interference Attacks

Technology advancements are shaping the construction industry gradually. Smart homes have become a reality and insome cases a trend due to these advancements. Although the literature includes multitude of efforts addressing the technologies used in smart homes, integration processes, and privacy issues, little exists about their vulnerability to Intentional ElectroMagnetic Interference (IEMI). In an attempt to address this gap, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the proliferation of smart home technologies, their susceptibility to IEMI attacks, currently available mechanisms of defense, and to provide a cost assessment model of the most suited protection approaches to be adopted by the construction industry. To that end, the adopted research methodology collected and analyzed a set of relevant peer reviewed publication within the domain, and developed different construction cost estimates utilizing standard reference books, like RSMeans, and direct contact with system suppliers. The outcomes of the aforementioned methodology yielded two potential protection methods, namely full protection of the home shell; and partial protection for essential components while providing a detection system of potential attacks. The average achieved costs per square foot range from $7.91 to $20.11 depending on the selection of material and type of finish. It is instigated that the outcomes of this research provide a much needed knowledge about the propensity of smart homes to IMEI attacks and provide a guidance cost estimate for protection mechanism. It also provides a better understanding for home owners regarding their decisions.

Probability Distribution Function of the Electric Field Strength From a CW IEMI Source

A statistical method for predicting the vulnerability of a target, i.e., critical equipment, located inside a building subject to a radiated Intentional Electromagnetic Interference (IEMI) source outside a building, has been devised. Combining probability density functions of small- and large-scale fluctuations of the electric field strength results in a Suzuki distributed electric field strength impinging at the equipment. Specifying the susceptibility level or the critical electric field strength of the target, the vulnerability of a target is evaluated as a function of the distance between source and target, taking into account losses from in and outside the building. Vulnerability isocontours defined as lines of constant probability of exceeding the susceptibility level are presented for a generic, continuous wave power source in a scenario emulating a dense urban microcell propagation environment. A comparison of the vulnerabilities predicted based on the Suzuki and the Lognormal distributions are also been provided for the same scenario. The proposed method provides estimates of critical distances of radiated IEMI attacks and may have use when deciding on the perimeter defense of a facility.