Cyber Security of WAMPAC

The electric power grid is a highly automated network that uses a variety of sensors, information/control systems, and communication networks for the purpose of sensing, monitoring, protection, and control of the physical grid. As part of the smart grid efforts throughout the world, the bulk power systems undergo major technological changes including the deployment of synchrophasors (PMUs), real-time communication networks to support operational and market applications, and advanced data analytics and decision support algorithms. The recent findings, as documented in federal reports and in the literature, indicate the growing threat of cyber-based attacks in numbers and sophistication on the nation's electric grid. Therefore, cyber security of the power grid - encompassing attack prevention, detection, mitigation, and resilience - is among the most important research issues today and in the emerging smart grid.