Cyber-Physical Security and Co-Simulation Technologies for Smart Grids

Dear Colleagues,

The smart grid represents a transformative leap in modern energy systems, integrating advanced communication, control, and physical infrastructure to enable efficient energy distribution, renewable integration, and consumer engagement. However, this enhanced interconnectivity between cyber and physical layers introduces significant vulnerabilities. Cyber–physical security has become a critical concern, as attacks targeting either layer can cascade through the system, disrupting operations, compromising data integrity, and threatening critical infrastructure. Ensuring the security of smart grids requires innovative strategies that bridge the gap between cyber and physical domains, protecting against an evolving array of sophisticated threats.

Co-simulation technologies offer a powerful approach to addressing these challenges. By modeling the interactions between cyber and physical components, co-simulation frameworks enable a comprehensive analysis of smart grid behavior under diverse scenarios, including potential cyber–physical attacks. These tools facilitate the evaluation of resilience strategies, the design of robust defenses, and the testing of adaptive mechanisms in a controlled and realistic environment. Co-simulation enhances our understanding of vulnerabilities and accelerates the development of integrated solutions that safeguard the smart grid from disruptions.

This call for papers focuses on advancing cyber–physical security and co-simulation technologies for the smart grid. We seek contributions that explore the intersection of these domains, proposing innovative frameworks, methodologies, and applications that enhance the resilience, reliability, and security of smart grids.

Topics of Interest:

1. Threat modeling, detection, and prevention mechanisms.
2. Cryptographic techniques and secure communication protocols.
3. Role-based access control, attribute-based access control, and other access control mechanisms.
4. Blockchain and software-defined networking technologies for grid security.
5. AI and machine learning for anomaly detection, risk assessment, and adaptive cybersecurity measures.
6. Cyber–physical coordinated detection and response strategies.
7. Privacy-preserving data-sharing framework among multiple energy sectors.
8. Real-time cyber–physical co-simulation synchronization schemes.
9. Realistic cyber–physical co-simulation testbeds involving energy sectors.
10. Resilient control and optimization algorithms for smart grids.

Dr. Mengxiang Liu
Prof. Dr. Xin Zhang
Dr. Suhan Zhang
Dr. Shiyi Zhao
Dr. Zhenyong Zhang
Guest Editors

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