CyberGrid: an IEC61850 protocol-based substation automation virtual cyber range for cybersecurity research in the smart grid

ABSTRACT

A cyber range provides a controlled environment for simulating mission-critical systems for cybersecurity research following the high risks involved in conducting experiments in real-life systems. Existing cyber ranges do not provide close emulation of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) in the Smart Grid Networks (SGNs), with emphasis on industry-based proprietary and IED protocols. This paper presents CyberGrid Testbed – a virtual Cyber-Range developed by the CyberSCADA Research Laboratory at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, which emulates Substation Automation processes with IEC61850 and Modbus/TCP protocols and support for MMS, and IED. This was built on OpenPLC6185, simulating Twelve attack patterns, and four attack types.

KEYWORDS:

• Cybersecurity research
• cyber range
• DNP3
• IEC61850
• Smart grid
• testbed

Acknowledgments

This research was conducted with funding support from the Africa Centre of Excellence, OAU ICT-driven Knowledge Park, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria and the Digital Science and Technology Network (DSTN), France.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

All data used in the research is cited and referenced accordingly.