A Novel Methodology to Validate and Evaluate Combined Cyber Attacks in Automated Power Systems Using Real Time Digital Simulation

The conventional power systems are evolving as smart grids. Among different smart grid protocols, the most popular is IEC 61850 standard being accepted worldwide. In recent times cyberattacks on smart grids have been increasing. IEC 61850 communication protocols are also prone to cyberattacks. IEC 62351 stipulates security guidelines for different automation standards, including IEC 61850, but only at communication level. The attackers can attack by exploiting the communication protocols of IEC 61850, hence there is a need to develop a testbed capable of simulating false data injection (FDI) attacks; mainly replay and masquerade attacks on Generic Object-Oriented Substation Events (GOOSE) and Sampled Values (SV) protocols. This work deals with this simulation and validation in real time, evaluates the impact of such attacks on power grid and discusses the countermeasures with basic functionality suitable to tackle these attacks.