Determination of the vulnerability index to cyberattacks and state-estimation problems according to SCADA data and timed vector measurements

Abstract

State estimation is a mathematical tabulation procedure widely used for EPS calculation based on measurement data. The state-estimation problem provides a correct solution only in cases in which remote measurements do not contain serious errors. Serious errors may be caused by both random factors related to a failure in the data-collection system, personnel errors, etc., and deliberate attempts (cyberattacks) on the system of data collection and transfer, databases, and state-estimation software. This paper focuses on the possible implications of cyberattacks the state-estimation results. The notion of the cyber-vulnerability index of the state-estimation problem is introduced. An approach to determination of its levels and values is proposed. The study shows that the combined application of remote measured SCADA and TVM data for EPS state estimation allows improving the efficiency of a detection algorithm for serious errors during remote measurements and accuracy of the obtained estimates, thus decreasing the state-estimation problem’s vulnerability to cyberattacks.