Vulnerability analysis of smart grid based on complex network theory

Cyber-Physical Vulnerability Assessment in Smart Grids Based on Multilayer Complex Networks

“…In recent years, complex network theory has been used to analyse vulnerabilities in OT power networks [ 8 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ]. Complex network indices, such as betweenness and net-ability, have been used to assess OT network vulnerabilities [ 15 , 17 ].…”

“…It is also necessary to model the interaction between them. In [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], traditional vulnerability assessment is only based on the power grid; however, the detection of vulnerabilities in power networks is not sufficient to analyse vulnerabilities in smart grids which are also composed of communication networks. Moreover, to highlight hidden interdependencies between power and ICT networks it is also necessary to include the interconnection links between power nodes and communication nodes.…”

“…It can be concluded through this comparison that interdependencies between power and ICT networks in smart grids are not considered in the literature [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. These interdependencies represent one of the challenges in smart grids modelling [ 3 ].…”

“…The interconnected model encompasses power networks, ICT networks, and the interconnection between power-ICT networks. It should be emphasized that the interconnected and heterogeneous nature of smart grids is not considered in traditional smart grids vulnerability assessment where only power network vulnerability is analysed, and neither ICT network nor power-ICT interconnection is considered [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. We use multilayer complex network theory to deal with the complexity and heterogeneity of cyber-physical systems considered as interconnected and heterogeneous systems.…”

“… We use multilayer complex network theory to deal with the complexity and heterogeneity of cyber-physical systems considered as interconnected and heterogeneous systems. Traditional smart grids models are modelled as monolayer networks in which only power network is considered [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 21 ], therefore they are not able to detect ICT vulnerabilities nor the interaction between power and ICT networks. To determine the vulnerabilities of the cyber-physical systems, we use multilayer complex network centrality indexes which allow us to detect hidden interdependencies between power and ICT systems.…”