The smart-grid introduces several new data-gathering, communication, and information-sharing capabilities into the electrical system, as well as additional privacy threats, vulnerabilities, and cyber-attacks. In this study, Modbus is regarded as one of the most prevalent interfaces for control systems in power plants. Modern control interfaces are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, posing a risk to the entire energy infrastructure. In order to strengthen resistance to cyber-attacks, this study introduces a test bed for cyber-physical systems that operate in real-time. To investigate the network vulnerabilities of smart power grids, Modbus protocol has been examined combining a real-time power system simulator with a communication system simulator and the effects of the system presented and analyzed. The goal is to detect the vulnerability in Modbus protocol and perform the Man-in-the-middle attack with its impact on the system. This proposed testbed can be evaluated as a research model for vulnerability assessment as well as a tool for evaluating cyber-attacks and enquire into any detection mechanism for safeguarding and defending smart grid systems from a variety of cyberattacks. We present here the preliminary findings on using the testbed to identify a particular MiTM attack and the effects on system performance. Finally, we suggest a cyber security strategy as a solution to address such network vulnerabilities and deploy appropriate countermeasures.

翻译：智能电网在电力系统中引入了若干新型数据采集、通信和信息共享能力，同时也带来了额外的隐私威胁、脆弱性和网络攻击。本研究将Modbus视为电厂控制系统中最常用的接口之一。现代控制接口易受网络攻击，从而对整个能源基础设施构成风险。为增强对网络攻击的抵御能力，本研究引入了一个实时运行的网络物理系统测试床。为探究智能电网的网络脆弱性，本研究结合实时电力系统模拟器与通信系统模拟器，对Modbus协议进行了检验，并对系统影响进行了呈现与分析。目标是检测Modbus协议的脆弱性，并实施中间人攻击及其对系统的影响。所提出的测试床可作为脆弱性评估的研究模型，也可作为评估网络攻击及探究任何检测机制的工具，以保护智能电网系统免受多种网络攻击。本文展示了利用该测试床识别特定MiTM攻击的初步研究结果及其对系统性能的影响。最后，我们提出了一项网络安全策略作为解决方案，以应对此类网络脆弱性并部署适当的应对措施。