In plain words: A trial-and-error learning program is trained to pick attack actions hidden inside new generation-control equipment, so it slips past network defenses and hits the physical grid. In simulation, these learned attacks disrupted the system's frequency and voltage regulation.
Abstract · Reinforcement Learning for Supply Chain Attacks Against Frequency and Voltage Control
The ongoing modernization of the power system, involving new equipment installations and upgrades, exposes the power system to the introduction of malware into its operation through supply chain attacks. Supply chain attacks present a significant threat to power systems, allowing cybercriminals to bypass network defenses and execute deliberate attacks at the physical layer. Given the exponential advancements in machine intelligence, cybercriminals will leverage this technology to create sophisticated and adaptable attacks that can be incorporated into supply chain attacks. We demonstrate the use of reinforcement learning for developing intelligent attacks incorporated into supply chain attacks against generation control devices. We simulate potential disturbances impacting frequency and voltage regulation. The presented method can provide valuable guidance for defending against supply chain attacks.
Amr S. Mohamed, Sumin Lee, Deepa Kundur
arXiv:2309.05814 · eess.SP, eess.SY · submitted Sep 11, 2023
abstract · pdf · html · 7 pages, conference, IEEE International Conference on Machine Learning and Applications (ICMLA) 2023