Cyber Security Threats in Synchrophasor System in Wide Area Monitoring System

Abstract

Cyber security has become a critical priority for electric utilities. With the increase in the use of intelligent measuring devices like PMUs and more advanced communications and information technology in smart grid, the overall attack surface has increased. Cyber attacks against synchrophasor system critical infrastructure are detrimental to the functioning of the society as a whole. This paper presents the latest on cyber security of synchrophasor system in smart grid, specifically; it focuses on the deep understanding of the risk in terms of threats, vulnerabilities and consequences that arise from cyber attacks. Since the research on cyber security for the smart grid is still in its early stage, our objective is to provide an overview, analyze potential cyber security threats, and review existing security solutions in the Wide Area Monitoring System.