Abstract
Smart grid, the future power grid, is expected to provide better energy efficiency, more customer choices and improved reliability and security. As the smart grid is an integrated system that consists of multiple subsystems, understanding it as a whole system is required to fully understand the security risks it faces. In this paper, a sophisticated cyber-physical system (CPS) unique malware attack against the smart grid is proposed. The paper first outlines the architecture of the smart grid in general. Then we present the characteristics of recent malware attacks targeting the CPS such as Stuxnet and Shamoon. These lead to the design of our proposed attack that incorporates the key features from the smart grid architecture and the recent real attacks. One key aspect of the proposed attack is that it manipulates various physical field devices as well as cyber systems to illustrate how a blackout is possible even under the security-improved smart grid environment. Then, we explain the application of defensive techniques in the context of the suggested attack. Lastly, prototype implementation showing the effectiveness of the attack and the defensive measures is described.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | ICECCS 2014 |
Subtitle of host publication | Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Engineering of Complex Computer Systems |
Place of Publication | Piscataway, NJ |
Publisher | Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) |
Pages | 59-68 |
Number of pages | 10 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781479954827 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 13 Oct 2014 |
Event | 2014 19th International Conference on Engineering of Complex Computer Systems, ICECCS 2014 - Tianjin, China Duration: 4 Aug 2014 → 7 Aug 2014 |
Other
Other | 2014 19th International Conference on Engineering of Complex Computer Systems, ICECCS 2014 |
---|---|
Country/Territory | China |
City | Tianjin |
Period | 4/08/14 → 7/08/14 |