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Security of Smart Grid: Cybersecurity Issues, Potential Cyberattacks, Major Incidents, and Future Directions

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  • Mohammad Ahmed Alomari

    (Department of Engineering Technology, Fakulti Teknologi dan Kejuruteraan Elektronik dan Komputer (FTKEK), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), Durian Tunggal 76100, Melaka, Malaysia)

  • Mohammed Nasser Al-Andoli

    (Faculty of Computing and Informatics, Multimedia University, Persiaran Multimedia, Cyberjaya 63100, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Mukhtar Ghaleb

    (College of Computing and Information Technology, University of Bisha, Bisha 67714, Saudi Arabia)

  • Reema Thabit

    (Department of Computing, College of Computing and Informatics (CCI), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia
    Institute of Informatics and Computing in Energy (IICE), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Gamal Alkawsi

    (Institute of Informatics and Computing in Energy (IICE), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Kajang 43000, Selangor, Malaysia)

  • Jamil Abedalrahim Jamil Alsayaydeh

    (Department of Engineering Technology, Fakulti Teknologi dan Kejuruteraan Elektronik dan Komputer (FTKEK), Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM), Durian Tunggal 76100, Melaka, Malaysia)

  • AbdulGuddoos S. A. Gaid

    (Department of Communication & Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Information Technology, Taiz University, Taiz 9674, Yemen)

Abstract

Despite the fact that countless IoT applications are arising frequently in various fields, such as green cities, net-zero decarbonization, healthcare systems, and smart vehicles, the smart grid is considered the most critical cyber–physical IoT application. With emerging technologies supporting the much-anticipated smart energy systems, particularly the smart grid, these smart systems will continue to profoundly transform our way of life and the environment. Energy systems have improved over the past ten years in terms of intelligence, efficiency, decentralization, and ICT usage. On the other hand, cyber threats and attacks against these systems have greatly expanded as a result of the enormous spread of sensors and smart IoT devices inside the energy sector as well as traditional power grids. In order to detect and mitigate these vulnerabilities while increasing the security of energy systems and power grids, a thorough investigation and in-depth research are highly required. This study offers a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art smart grid cybersecurity research. In this work, we primarily concentrate on examining the numerous threats and cyberattacks that have recently invaded the developing smart energy systems in general and smart grids in particular. This study begins by introducing smart grid architecture, it key components, and its security issues. Then, we present the spectrum of cyberattacks against energy systems while highlighting the most significant research studies that have been documented in the literature. The categorization of smart grid cyberattacks, while taking into account key information security characteristics, can help make it possible to provide organized and effective solutions for the present and potential attacks in smart grid applications. This cyberattack classification is covered thoroughly in this paper. This study also discusses the historical incidents against energy systems, which depicts how harsh and disastrous these attacks can go if not detected and mitigated. Finally, we provide a summary of the latest emerging future research trend and open research issues.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohammad Ahmed Alomari & Mohammed Nasser Al-Andoli & Mukhtar Ghaleb & Reema Thabit & Gamal Alkawsi & Jamil Abedalrahim Jamil Alsayaydeh & AbdulGuddoos S. A. Gaid, 2025. "Security of Smart Grid: Cybersecurity Issues, Potential Cyberattacks, Major Incidents, and Future Directions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-34, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:1:p:141-:d:1558467
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Tehseen Mazhar & Hafiz Muhammad Irfan & Sunawar Khan & Inayatul Haq & Inam Ullah & Muhammad Iqbal & Habib Hamam, 2023. "Analysis of Cyber Security Attacks and Its Solutions for the Smart grid Using Machine Learning and Blockchain Methods," Future Internet, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-37, February.
    2. Michał Krzykowski, 2021. "Legal Aspects of Cybersecurity in the Energy Sector—Current State and Latest Proposals of Legislative Changes by the EU," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-14, November.
    3. Nir Kshetri, 2016. "The Quest to Cyber Superiority," Springer Books, Springer, number 978-3-319-40554-4, March.
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