Cyber Threats to Smart Grids: Review, Taxonomy, Potential Solutions, and Future Directions

Jianguo Ding (), Attia Qammar, Zhimin Zhang, Ahmad Karim and Huansheng Ning
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Jianguo Ding: Department of Computer Science, Blekinge Institute of Technology, 37179 Karlskrona, Sweden
Attia Qammar: School of Computer and Communication Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Zhimin Zhang: School of Computer and Communication Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
Ahmad Karim: Department of Information Technology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60000, Pakistan
Huansheng Ning: School of Computer and Communication Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 18, 1-37

Abstract: Smart Grids (SGs) are governed by advanced computing, control technologies, and networking infrastructure. However, compromised cybersecurity of the smart grid not only affects the security of existing energy systems but also directly impacts national security. The increasing number of cyberattacks against the smart grid urgently necessitates more robust security protection technologies to maintain the security of the grid system and its operations. The purpose of this review paper is to provide a thorough understanding of the incumbent cyberattacks’ influence on the entire smart grid ecosystem. In this paper, we review the various threats in the smart grid, which have two core domains: the intrinsic vulnerability of the system and the external cyberattacks. Similarly, we analyze the vulnerabilities of all components of the smart grid (hardware, software, and data communication), data management, services and applications, running environment, and evolving and complex smart grids. A structured smart grid architecture and global smart grid cyberattacks with their impact from 2010 to July 2022 are presented. Then, we investigated the the thematic taxonomy of cyberattacks on smart grids to highlight the attack strategies, consequences, and related studies analyzed. In addition, potential cybersecurity solutions to smart grids are explained in the context of the implementation of blockchain and Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques. Finally, technical future directions based on the analysis are provided against cyberattacks on SGs.

Keywords: smart grids; cybersecurity; vulnerabilities; cyberattacks; blockchain; artificial intelligence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (8)

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