Cybersecurity Issues in Electrical Protection Relays: A Systematic Review

Giovanni Battista Gaggero (), Paola Girdinio and Mario Marchese
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Giovanni Battista Gaggero: Department of Electrical, Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering and Naval Architecture (DITEN), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
Paola Girdinio: Department of Electrical, Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering and Naval Architecture (DITEN), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy
Mario Marchese: Department of Electrical, Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering and Naval Architecture (DITEN), University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 14, 1-12

Abstract: The increasing digitalization of power systems has revolutionized the functionality and efficiency of electrical protection relays. These digital relays enhance fault detection, monitoring, and response mechanisms, ensuring the reliability and stability of power networks. However, their connectivity and reliance on communication protocols introduce significant cybersecurity risks, making them potential targets for malicious attacks. Cyber threats against digital protection relays can lead to severe consequences, including cascading failures, equipment damage, and compromised grid security. This paper presents a comprehensive review of cybersecurity challenges in digital electrical protection relays, focusing on four key areas: (1) a taxonomy of cyber attack models targeting protection relays, (2) the associated risks and their potential impact on power systems, (3) existing mitigation strategies to enhance relay security, and (4) future research directions to strengthen resilience against cyber threats.

Keywords: cyber security; protection relay; electrical protection; review (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: 2025
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