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IKTPLUSS-IKT og digital innovasjon

Cyber-Physical Security in Energy Infrastructure of Smart Cities (CPSEC)

Alternative title: Cyber-Physical Security in Energy Infrastructure of Smart Cities (CPSEC)

Awarded: NOK 7.4 mill.

Energy infrastructures, assisted by the adoption of modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT), are among the main Critical Infrastructures (CIs) which are essential to maintain vital societal functions. Damage or destruction of these infrastructures by cyber-attacks, natural disasters, terrorism and criminal activity may negatively affect the security and safety of modern Smart Cities and society at large. Emerging cyber, physical and combined cyber-physical threats, as well as unconventional attacks to CIs have exposed the limits of traditional risk assessment and protection solutions. Some of these threats cannot be foreseen, while reducing all possible risks at the minimum possible level is not always cost-effective. To this end, the Cyber-Physical Security in Energy Infrastructure of Smart Cities (CPSEC) project proposed for a comprehensive and systemic approach combining cyber and physical security solutions to protect energy installations in smart cities. To realize its goals, CPSEC brought together a team of internationally renowned researchers to address the issues pertaining to: a) cyber, physical and combined cyber-physical threats; b) interconnections among CIs, cascading effects and the protection of legacy equipment; and c) developing cost-effective solutions to encourage deployment in a global crisis environment. CPSEC resulted in the completion of two PhD theses and the publication of research results in international journals and conferences. Also, CPSEC led to outward and inward mobility of academics between partner institutions in Norway and India.

The potential outcomes and impacts based on the project results are expected to benefit society as a whole. CPSEC will contribute towards a safer society by protecting electricity infrastructures (and other CIs that depend on them) from blackouts and cyber-physical attacks, improving reliability and identifying infrastructure that needs maintenance. The outcomes of the realisation of this project for society will also include the creation of new research opportunities and corresponding jobs, better infrastructure management and less energy cost by better-informing consumers through smart applications, greener energy by integrating renewable energy sources, as well as new services in the field of utility networks. CPSEC will have a remarkable effect on the smooth operation of the energy system, which will increase the reliability and unhindered operation of social infrastructure such as public transport, healthcare and telecommunications. CPSEC will increase the reliability of the energy system, thereby increasing the trust of energy consumers in the energy system.

Energy infrastructures, assisted by the adoption of modern ICT, are among the main Critical Infrastructures (CIs) which are essential to maintain vital societal functions. Damage or destruction of these infrastructures by cyber-attacks, natural disasters, terrorism and criminal activity may have negative consequences for the security and safety of modern Smart Cities and society at large. Emerging cyber, physical and combined cyber-physical threats, as well as unconventional attacks to CIs have exposed the limits of traditional risk assessment, as well as those of protection solutions. Some of these threats cannot be foreseen, while reducing all possible risks at the minimum possible level is not always cost effective. Inevitably, the energy production and distribution systems, which comprise a vital economic and social infrastructure, are exposed to: a) security threats inherited from the ICT sector b) physical attacks like bombing, fires and floods and (c) combinations of cyber and physical threats. A potential attack to an energy installation may lead to cascading failures, leading to disruptions with severe consequences like destruction of other interconnected CIs, loss of human lives and environmental impact. To this end, the CPSEC project proposes a comprehensive and systemic approach combining cyber and physical security solutions to protect energy installations in smart cities. The main technical output of the project will be the Integrated Security, Safety and Site Management (IS3M) platform which will cover a wide variety of concepts, including, systemic risk management, prevention by design, monitoring and detection, response and mitigation, and information sharing. To realize its goals CPSEC brings together a team of internationally renowned researchers to address issues pertaining to: a) cyber, physical and cyber-physical threats b) interconnections among CIs,cascading effects and the protection of legacy equipment c)developing cost-effective solutions.

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Funding scheme:

IKTPLUSS-IKT og digital innovasjon

Thematic Areas and Topics

IKT forskningsområdeSmarte komponenterAnvendt forskningIKT forskningsområdeKommunikasjonsteknologiIKT forskningsområdeMenneske, samfunn og teknologiGrunnforskningBransjer og næringerEnergi - NæringsområdeIKT forskningsområdeDigital sikkerhetEnergiBransjer og næringerPolitikk- og forvaltningsområderSamferdsel og kommunikasjonPolitikk- og forvaltningsområderForsvar og sikkerhetPortefølje Banebrytende forskningDelportefølje KvalitetIKTPolitikk- og forvaltningsområderNæring og handelBransjer og næringerIKT-næringenIKTIKT - Som fag og teknologiLTP3 Global utvikling, ulikhet, og demokratibyggingPolitikk- og forvaltningsområderOlje og gass - Politikk og forvaltningDelportefølje Et velfungerende forskningssystemIKT forskningsområdeLTP3 Rettede internasjonaliseringstiltakDelportefølje InternasjonaliseringPolitikk- og forvaltningsområderInternasjonaliseringLTP3 Samfunnssikkerhet og beredskapGlobale utfordringerPolitikk- og forvaltningsområderForskningInternasjonaliseringInternasjonalt samarbeid om utlysningPolitikk- og forvaltningsområderDigitaliseringLTP3 Et kunnskapsintensivt næringsliv i hele landetPortefølje ForskningssystemetSamfunnssikkerhetUtviklingsforskningLTP3 Fagmiljøer og talenterPortefølje InnovasjonLTP3 Høy kvalitet og tilgjengelighetLTP3 IKT og digital transformasjonLTP3 Muliggjørende og industrielle teknologierLTP3 Samfunnsikkerhet, sårbarhet og konfliktLTP3 Styrket konkurransekraft og innovasjonsevnePortefølje Demokrati og global utviklingPortefølje Muliggjørende teknologier