Cybersecurity in Smart Grids for Sustainable Energy Management Systems

Submission Deadline: 01 July 2023 (closed)

Guest Editors

Summary

Smart Grid (SG) advancement is altering the current enterprises by introducing intelligent services that strengthen the features and functions of preexisting power grids. SG is an interaction-based power distribution framework that has been digitized. Embracing advanced techniques such as networking and higher computing power is projected to optimize performance, resilience, and availability. It empowers consumers with quick and effective operational processes with less time, permitting the energy issue to be adequately tackled. SG networks transfer knowledge that involves secure information frequently. As a result, the SG platform is riddled with flaws and complexities. The most challenging is securing the data and information, which is the most valuable asset.

Cyber Security is a proper function in SG as multiple devices, both industrial and institutional, are interconnected through a range of channels to interact and offer protection to the networks using various approaches. Cybersecurity in the SG tackles deliberate threats and unexpected breaches of the information systems caused by user errors, system malfunctions, and natural catastrophes. Many prevalent encryption protocols and authentication structures are used in the SG to increase data confidentiality and integrity and safeguard against probable threats. The NIPS is an effective strategy deployed in the SG to limit network access and protect against various cyber-attacks. Furthermore, it is intended to analyze intrusion evidence and take appropriate action to prevent an attack. Another technique that provides cyber security to SG is the NIDS, which is deployed to analyze and evaluate network traffic to defend a process from network-based vulnerabilities. When integrating to a public site, like the Online platform, the VPN adds an extra layer of security. It employs several security measures, including encryption and the protection of any transmitted data via the connection, as the data may be compromised while accessing public internet infrastructure. Conducting effective cybersecurity impact evaluations and adopting countermeasures in huge and complex systems and infrastructures where thorough security audits are impossible due to timeframe and capacity issues has lately resulted in several efficient insights.

In conclusion, this special issue describes the pertinent role of different cyber security approaches for securing SG from innumerable cyber threats and attacks. However, these cyber security approaches are still developing, and more robust strategies are needed to safeguard SG from complex threats and assaults. Researchers and practitioners are welcome to contribute innovative solutions for the same.

The topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Cyber-physical systems to secure smart grids from DDoS attacks.

• Emerging applications of authentication and encryption protocols in Smart grids

• A new perspective on cyber security for Smart Grids

• Advances, opportunities, and challenges in cyber security for smart grids

• New frontiers in robust and secure cyber-physical systems for smart grids

• Smart Grid and cyber security: challenges and opportunities

• Changing the paradigm of smart grid cyber security through IoT

• Advances in assessment and mitigation of cyber assaults in smart grids

• Applications of IDS and IPS as a cyber security system for smart grid

• Operational and security challenges in smart grids

• Enhancing the security in smart grids through cyber security

• Changes in policies and strategies for deployment of cyber-physical systems in smart grids

Published Papers