A Smart Grid Vulnerability Analysis Framework for Coordinated Variable Structure Switching Attacks

Abstract—In this paper we have proposed an approach for vulnerability analysis of a class of cyber-physical reconfiguration attacks called coordinated variable structure switching. In such an attack, an opponent who gains control over a target circuit breaker, relay or switch can apply a given switching sequence to destabilize the system even if the system is stable in static switch positions. Our analysis approach is illustrated through a case study of the Western Electricity Coordinating Council 3-machine, 9-bus system. MATLAB and PSCAD simulations are employed to validate the approach. Moreover the insights gained from the vulnerability analysis of the WECC system are consistent with intuition. Index Terms—smart grid vulnerability analysis, cyber-physical system security, coordinated variable structure switching attacks. I