Cybersecurity challenges in integrated energy systems with cyber-physical integration: A review

Abstract

Integrated modern energy systems employ advanced information, communication, and control technologies to optimize the coordination of electricity, heat, and gas subsystems, forming interconnected energy cyber-physical systems (IECPS). While this deep integration enhances operational efficiency, it amplifies cybersecurity risks due to the interdependence of cyber and physical components. This paper comprehensively reviews IECPS cybersecurity challenges, focusing on cyber-physical coupling models, security performance assessment, attack methodologies, defense mechanisms, and recovery strategies. The analysis identifies vulnerabilities inherent in coupling models, evaluates security metrics, and classifies attack vectors alongside tailored mitigation approaches. Effective recovery strategies, such as self-healing systems and smart redundancy, are explored to minimize disruptions and bolster resilience. The study underscores critical research gaps, including insufficient multi-timescale modeling and control-level defense frameworks, while advocating for advanced solutions like AI-driven detection, quantum-secure protocols, and blockchain-based integrity verification. By synthesizing cutting-edge research, this work provides a roadmap for developing adaptive, standardized cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard IECPS against evolving threats, ensuring secure and resilient operation in smart energy infrastructures. • Risks tied with cyber-physical system integration are analyzed and a model of influence on security is presented. • AI/ML-based detection approach to swiftly and accurately identify complex cyberattacks is proposed. • Concepts from self-healing systems are incorporated to suggest effective post-attack recovery strategies. • The effectiveness of modern cybersecurity measures through a detailed case study is demonstrated.