Power system effects and mitigation recommendations for DER cyberattacks

• Main Authors: Jay Johnson, Jimmy Quiroz, Ricky Concepcion, Felipe Wilches-Bernal, Matthew J. Reno
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2019-01-01
• Series: IET Cyber-Physical Systems
• Subjects: telecommunication security; power system security; distributed power generation; open systems; power engineering computing; power supply quality; power grids; cyber-physical systems; power system effects; mitigation recommendations; DER cyberattacks; extensive deployment; interoperable distributed energy resources; autonomous commanded grid-support functions; power quality; bulk system frequency; cyber-physical power system; grid-support function; physical impact; cyber actions; transmission system support; power system cyber security attack
• Online Access: https://digital-library.theiet.org/content/journals/10.1049/iet-cps.2018.5014

Extensive deployment of interoperable distributed energy resources (DER) is increasing the power system cyber security attack surface. National and jurisdictional interconnection standards require DER to include a range of autonomous and commanded grid-support functions, which can drastically influence power quality, voltage, and bulk system frequency. Here, the authors investigate the impact to the cyber-physical power system in scenarios where communications and operations of DER are controlled by an adversary. The findings show that each grid-support function exposes the power system to distinct types and magnitudes of risk. The physical impact from cyber actions was analysed in cases of DER providing distribution system voltage regulation and transmission system support. Finally, recommendations are presented for minimising the risk using engineered parameter limits and segmenting the control network to minimise common-mode vulnerabilities.