Switched system models for coordinated cyber-physical attack construction and simulation

Effective simulation of large-scale power system disturbances especially those stemming from intentional attack represents an open engineering and research problem. Challenges stem from the need to develop intelligent models of cyber-physical attacks that produce salient disruptions, to appropriately portray meaningful cyber-physical interdependencies, and balance precision, scale and complexity. In this paper, we present a foundation for the development of a class of intelligent cyber-physical attacks that we term coordinated switching attacks. Our approach, based on variable structure systems theory, is amenable to implementation in well known power system simulators. We provide a method to construct such attack models and demonstrate their utility in the simulation of extensive system disturbances. Our results demonstrate the potential for coordinated switch attacks to enable large-scale power system disturbances.

I. Introduction

The smart grid promises increased capacity, security and reliability through the integration of advanced communications, computation and control within the power grid. Designing for a future smart grid is challenging on several fronts. Asset owners must understand how to best prioritize investment while operators must be aware of emergent behaviors stemming from the increased dependence on information technology.