Expert-Guided Security Risk Assessment of Evolving Power Grids

Seppo Borenius, Pavithra Gopalakrishnan, Lina Bertling Tjernberg and Raimo Kantola
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Seppo Borenius: Department of Communications and Networking, School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
Pavithra Gopalakrishnan: Department of Communications and Networking, School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland
Lina Bertling Tjernberg: Division of Electric Power and Energy Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 10044 Stockholm, Sweden
Raimo Kantola: Department of Communications and Networking, School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University, 02150 Espoo, Finland

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 9, 1-25

Abstract: Electric power grids, which form an essential part of the critical infrastructure, are evolving into highly distributed, dynamic networks in order to address the climate change. This fundamental transition relies on extensive automation solutions based on communications and information technologies. Thus, it also gives rise to new attack points for malicious actors and consequently, increases the vulnerability of the electric energy system. This study presents a qualitative assessment of power grid cybersecurity through expert interviews across countries in Europe and the U.S. to gain understanding of the latest developments and trends in the cybersecurity of future electric energy systems. The horizon of the assessment is 10 years spanning until the early 2030s. Thereafter, the study identifies how and to which extent the risks identified to be most significant are understood and addressed in the latest research and industry publications aiming at identifying areas deserving specific further attention. The most significant threats based on the assessment are False Data Injection (FDI), Denial of Service (DoS) supply chain, and ransomware and malware attacks.

Keywords: smart grids; power grids; cybersecurity; security risk assessment (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 (5)

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