Analysis of Cascading Failures Due to Dynamic Load-Altering Attacks

Maldon Patrice Goodridge*, Alessandro Zocca, Subhash Lakshminarayana

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book / Report / Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Large-scale load-altering attacks (LAAs) are known to severely disrupt power grid operations by manipulating several internet-of-things (IoT)-enabled load devices. In this work, we analyze power grid cascading failures induced by such attacks. The inherent security features in power grids such as the N-1 design philosophy dictate LAAs that can trigger cascading failures are rare events. We overcome the challenge of efficiently sampling critical LAAs scenarios for a wide range of attack parameters by using the so-called 'skipping sampler' algorithm. We conduct extensive simulations using a three-area IEEE-39 bus system and provide several novel insights into the composition of cascades due to LAAs. Our results highlight the particular risks to modern power systems posed by strategically designed coordinated LAAs that exploit their structural and real-time operating characteristics.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2023 IEEE International Conference on Communications, Control, and Computing Technologies for Smart Grids (SmartGridComm)
Subtitle of host publication[Proceedings]
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781665455565
ISBN (Print)9781665455572
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Event14th IEEE International Conference on Communications, Control, and Computing Technologies for Smart Grids, SmartGridComm 2023 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Duration: 31 Oct 20233 Nov 2023

Conference

Conference14th IEEE International Conference on Communications, Control, and Computing Technologies for Smart Grids, SmartGridComm 2023
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityGlasgow
Period31/10/233/11/23

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 IEEE.

Keywords

  • cascading failures
  • Load-altering attacks
  • N-l secure
  • rareevent sampling

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