[Link]

MOBMU-315
© 2025, Society for Imaging Science and Technology

A REVIEW OF CYBER SECURITY AND CHALLENGES ASSO-

CIATED WITH MICROGRID SYSTEMS
Saiful Islam1 , Klaus Schwarz 1, Kendrick Bollens1 , Michael Hartmann1 , Reiner Creutzburg 1,2

1 SRH University, School of Technology and Architecture, Sonnenallee 221, D-12509 Berlin, Germany
2 Technische Hochschule Brandenburg, Department of Informatics and Media, Magdeburger Str. 50, D-14770 Brandenburg, Germany
Email: [Link]@[Link], [Link]@[Link], [Link]@[Link], [Link]@[Link], [Link]@[Link],
creutzburg@[Link]

Abstract AC-DC-coupled microgrids. Therefore, an MG can be understood

Microgrid systems encounter various challenges, including as a decentralized network architecture with locally connected pro-
critical issues such as load scheduling and the generation of large duction, transmission, regulation, and utilization that can operate in-
amounts of data that need to be monitored to stabilize the system dur- dependently or in conjunction with other microgrids or the primary
ing operation. It is essential to ensure the real-time collection and grid [48], [44], [51].
protection of data throughout the process. In this context, infrastruc- Various energy data analysis techniques are employed in MG
ture such as cloud computing and data security plays a crucial role systems to monitor their condition and operational stability. The
in addressing these challenges. Data generated from a microgrid data can be utilized for fault identification, prediction of energy
includes different attributes such as meteorological information, en- production, optimal system sizing, and more. The collected data
ergy production data, and distributed energy resources data, which can be used to analyze measurable patterns in variable load condi-
help monitor the balance between supply and demand. This data tions in an MG as well as for forecasting Direct Normal Irradiance
also plays a crucial role in energy forecasting, predictive mainte- (DNI), Global Horizontal Irradiance (GHI), and the electrical mea-
nance, and analyzing the critical performance of grid-connected or sure (power transmitted by MG).
standalone microgrid systems. The paper discusses the significance However, the reliance on digital communication protocols,
of the data collected from distributed energy resources and provides smart devices, and data-driven control systems has introduced sig-
a critical analysis of current solutions and future perspectives on nificant cybersecurity vulnerabilities, with False Data Injection At-
data sharing in microgrids and their challenges. tacks (FDIA) posing a serious threat to energy management system
Keywords: Microgrid, Cyber security, Data collection, Load integrity. Researchers are also developing resilient control methods
Scheduling, Sharing energy. and robust cybersecurity frameworks to protect these vital infrastruc-
tures. Concurrently, integrating blockchain and Internet of Things
Introduction (IoT) technologies transforms energy transactions and metering in
The concept of Microgrid (MG) is well-established in the realm microgrids, enhancing security, transparency, and scalability, partic-
of renewable energy systems (RES). It plays a crucial role in inte- ularly in peer-to-peer (P2P) trading applications.
grating distributed energy resources (DERs). The primary challenge The evolution of MGs is further propelled by integrating arti-
with renewable energy sources lies in their unpredictability due to ficial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), big data analytics,
factors such as irradiation, wind velocity, and temperature. After and digital twins, which enable real-time monitoring, enhance oper-
the system is installed, it’s essential to monitor its operation and en- ational efficiency, and bolster resilience against cyber-attacks. How-
ergy production, identify potential faults, and make necessary ad- ever, vulnerabilities in widely-used communication protocols like
justments to address any issues. This can be achieved by analyzing IEC61850 must be addressed to safeguard smart grids and electric
the data generated by the system. Modern technologies offer a wide vehicle (EV) charging stations from cyber threats. Educational pro-
range of technical systems. MG was first introduced in 2001 by Bob grams and testbed environments are being developed to prepare pro-
Lasseter [49]. Monitoring the data and predicting future production fessionals for these challenges to provide hands-on experience with
levels are also key considerations. real-world datasets and simulation platforms. As cybersecurity and
In theory, MG should be constantly connected to the utility grid, data privacy concerns grow, ongoing research focuses on optimiza-
enabling surplus energy from that to be fed into the primary grid and tion strategies, anomaly detection, and privacy-preserving solutions
any energy deficit in the system to be supplemented by the utility to ensure the resilience and security of modern energy systems. A
grid. The main components of MG include DERs, power converters, holistic approach to MG management is essential, integrating ad-
energy storage, loads, master controllers, intelligent switches, pro- vanced technologies with robust cybersecurity measures to secure
tective devices, communication systems, and control and automation the future of energy.
systems. MGs can be categorized into AC microgrids, DC micro-
grids, and hybrid AC/DC microgrids. Among these, the AC MG Cyber security in Microgrid
is popular due to its plug-and-play approach for all DERs, but it In the study referenced as [36], the authors tackle the cyber-
requires additional power conversion devices. Hybrid AC/DC mi- security challenges faced by smart distribution systems, particularly
crogrids can be further classified into AC-coupled, DC-coupled, and focusing on the detection of FDIA using data from Phasor Measure-

IS&T International Symposium on Electronic Imaging 2025

Mobile Devices and Multimedia: Enabling Technologies, Algorithms, and Applications 2025 315-1
 Figure 1: Network visualization of the trend topics related to cyber security in MG systems

Figure 2: Microgrid Architecture and Control Hierarchy Overview

IS&T International Symposium on Electronic Imaging 2025

315-3 Mobile Devices and Multimedia: Enabling Technologies, Algorithms, and Applications 2025
 Trend topics Frequency Year (Q1) Year (Median) Year (Q3)
electric power system security 8 2017 2018 2020
electric power systems 8 2017 2018 2021
distributed control 15 2018 2019 2020
electric substations 11 2017 2019 2020
voltage control 10 2018 2019 2021
electric power transmission networks 99 2018 2020 2022
security of data 22 2020 2020 2021
control systems 12 2018 2020 2022
distributed energy resources 41 2019 2021 2022
network security 358 2021 2022 2023
microgrid 299 2022 2023 2024
cyber-attacks 144 2022 2023 2024
intelligent systems 8 2021 2024 2024
cost-effectiveness 7 2022 2024 2024
Table 1: Trend Topics and Their Frequency Over Time

ment Units (PMUs). They consolidate existing techniques for de- controller to improve cybersecurity in cyber-physical microgrids, ef-
tecting FDIAs, placing an emphasis on unsupervised learning meth- fectively detecting and mitigating covert FDI attacks.
ods suitable for managing large, unlabeled data sets. The findings In [41], the HArMoNICS framework creates a digital twin of
indicate that unsupervised learning methods surpass traditional ap- a Smart Polygeneration Microgrid (SPM) for cybersecurity testing
proaches, offering enhanced accuracy and improved feature extrac- in IoT systems. It uses Docker containers to assess vulnerabilities
tion. By highlighting critical security vulnerabilities, the authors un- and ensure GDPR compliance, while identifying security gaps and
derscore the potential of unsupervised learning as a promising strat- suggesting solutions like formal verification.
egy to strengthen the security of MG. The text discusses key advancements in cybersecurity for MG
In [53], vulnerabilities in smart Direct Current (DC) MGs are communications.
analyzed, focusing on side-channel and DDoS attacks. The study re- Reference [4] introduces a distributed key management proto-
veals how attackers exploit packet generation behaviors and suggest col that enables secure communication without a central server, en-
countermeasures like traffic camouflage and rootkit traps to enhance hancing smart meter security and eliminating single points of fail-
security. In [45], a framework for analyzing resiliency in critical sys- ure. This adaptable system highlights the need for reliable key man-
tems, including the Miramar military microgrid, is presented. Utiliz- agement in smart energy operations. In [11], the authors evaluate
ing a co-simulation platform, it evaluates resiliency under the IEEE the IEC 61850 Sampled Measured Values (SMV) protocol to iden-
standard and stresses the need for situational awareness and proac- tify security vulnerabilities and propose a bi-layer algorithm that de-
tive measures against cyber threats. tects spoofed packets using a neural network and statistical indica-
The study mentioned in [42] focuses on cybersecurity in grid- tors. This underscores the need for additional cybersecurity layers in
tied power electronic converters, particularly voltage source convert- smart grids.
ers (VSCs), which are essential for stable power grid operations. The Reference [9] proposes a strategy to counter FDIA on DC MGs,
research identifies vulnerabilities within the control and communi- focusing on voltage and current measurements. By employing artifi-
cation layers of VSCs that could be exploited, potentially leading to cial neural networks, the approach maintains stability and resilience
operational failures. By utilizing both theoretical analysis and simu- against cyber threats, demonstrating the importance of layered de-
lations, the authors propose robust control techniques, such as water- tection mechanisms.
marking and model verification, to enhance resilience against cyber- In [14], the authors present a cyber-resilient automatic genera-
attacks targeting VSCs. This research highlights the urgent need for tion control (AGC) system aimed at safeguarding frequency stability
advanced control solutions to secure power electronic converters. in AC MGs against FDI attacks. By relying on real-time power data
In [40], a deep reinforcement learning method is introduced to instead of frequency measurements, the AGC system remains effec-
enhance cybersecurity in MGs, focusing on rootkit attack detection tive during rapid load changes and fluctuations in renewable energy
and mitigation. A Q-learning agent models the MG as a stochastic sources. Additionally, the approach includes a method for detecting
environment, responding dynamically to cyber threats based on his- cyberattacks that combines dynamic watermarking with observer-
torical data and proving effective even against attackers controlling based correction, demonstrating its effectiveness in simulations in-
multiple nodes. volving dual MGs. This research highlights the potential of AGC to
Reference [19] surveys cybersecurity challenges in Active Dis- maintain frequency stability and encourages further exploration of
tribution Networks (ADNs), emphasizing vulnerabilities linked to its application in larger networks.
increasing reliance on information and communication technologies. Reference [18] discusses a resilient control strategy designed to
It discusses key components like Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) counter FDIA in DC system, particularly within secondary control
and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and calls for better systems. The method employs a proportional-integral (PI) controller
monitoring and intrusion detection to address evolving threats as dis- with an adaptive gain to address false data injected through sensor
tributed energy resources become more integrated into the grid. and communication links, ensuring operational accuracy. Simula-
The study in [23] employs a deep neural network (DNN)-based tion results demonstrate the effectiveness of the PI controller in re-

IS&T International Symposium on Electronic Imaging 2025

Mobile Devices and Multimedia: Enabling Technologies, Algorithms, and Applications 2025 315-3
 Table 2: Analysis of the different techniques used to solve MG security-related problems

Year Problem state- Mode of operation Objective of the model MG modeling Reference
ment
2023 False data in- Standalone It proposes a distributed adap- voltage source inverter/LC [38]
jection attack tive secondary controller for filter/DC-AC power supply
AC microgrids to achieve the
control objective of restoring
the rated frequency and volt-
age when the controllers are af-
fected by FDIA.
2022 Data integrity Standalone A modified model predictive PV/Wind/FC/ESS/DG [52]
attacks/time- control (MPC) scheme is being
delay attacks proposed for the secondary fre-
quency control of MGs
2023 False data in- AC-DC microgrid A technique uses traffic signa- SCADA system/PLCs/Modbus [30]
jection attack tures to detect Denial of Service RS485
(DoS) attacks and a power sys-
tem anomaly-based approach to
identify False Data Injection
(FDI) attacks.
2021 Anamoly de- Standalone/Grid- A MATLAB-based simulation AC MGs [1]
tection connected for detecting cyber attacks in
AC microgrids/Active power
with respect to frequency
changes/reactive power with
respect to voltage
2022 MG data flows Standalone/Grid- Introduced the concept of MGs feeders/Grid [32]
and data trans- connected transactive energy management
actions with for networked microgrids using
cybersecurity blockchain technology as a
controls cybersecurity mesh application
2023 Intelligent con- Standalone/Grid- Improved energy security of the PV/Biogas/Grid [29]
trol and moni- connected entire power system of Belarus
toring methods
for MG
2023 Smart systems Standalone Proposed a ML based architec- PV/ESS [39]
applied in ture which incorporates cyber-
energy man- security considerations, to in-
agement for crease security during the oper-
secure opera- ation of the MG
tion of the DC
MG
2023 Field- Standalone/Grid- Implemented resistant systems AC-DC MGs [33]
Programmable connected to securely transferring critical
Gate Arrays data, such as energy billing and
(FPGAs) local control of the electrical
-based embed- power quality
ded systems
to enhance the
cyber security
of MGs
2023 Distributed Standalone Proposed a dynamic model PV/ESS/Wind/EV [27]
denial-of- based on epidemiological the-
service (DDoS) ory for DDoS attacks in an is-
attack landed microgrid scenario con-
taining two types of nodes
2022 FDI attacks on Standalone A multiagent deep reinforce- DC MG [3]
islanded DC ment learning (RL)-based al-
microgrids gorithm is proposed to auto-
matically discover the vulner-
able spots in the conventional
index-based cyberattack detec-
tion schemes

IS&T International Symposium on Electronic Imaging 2025

315-5 Mobile Devices and Multimedia: Enabling Technologies, Algorithms, and Applications 2025
 jecting false data and maintaining stable operations even under at- tion, face security vulnerabilities that these technologies can address.
tack. This approach significantly contributes to the resilience of MG Blockchain, in particular, is highlighted for enabling secure, trans-
control systems and holds promise for the future integration of more parent energy transactions that reduce risks of unauthorized access
robust detection mechanisms to strengthen DC systems against cyber or fraud. Findings suggest that a combination of SOAR, ML, AI, and
threats. Blockchain can form a robust security framework for MGs, promot-
In [10], a coordinated control and energy management model ing reliable, efficient operation while enhancing resilience to cyber
is proposed for multi-microgrid systems that incorporate renewable threats. This study emphasizes the need for continued research and
energy and storage elements. This model ensures stability in terms practical application of these technologies to safeguard future system
of voltage, frequency, and inertia, while also detecting FDIA attacks. infrastructures.
By employing a centralized data aggregation approach, the system In [5], the authors propose a Cloud-Based Intrusion Detection
effectively mitigates cyber threats and facilitates load redistribution and Prevention System (CB-IDPS) for securing Industrial Control
among unaffected MGs. Simulation results demonstrate the model’s Systems (ICS) using Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Net-
effectiveness, and the study recommends further adaptation of this work Function Virtualization (NFV). The system addresses scalabil-
control system for various network configurations to enhance system ity, resilience, and visibility challenges in ICS networks while main-
resilience against cyber threats. taining low-latency performance. By routing traffic through SDN to
The study in [47] introduces a method for detecting stealth a cloud environment for inspection, the CB-IDPS enhances threat de-
cyber-attacks in DC systems using a Long Short-Term Memory tection and prevention. Its three-layer architecture integrates SDN, a
Stacked Autoencoder (LSTM-SAE). This unsupervised model cap- virtual private cloud on AWS, and security components like firewalls
tures temporal correlations in voltage and current data, enhancing and intrusion detection systems. Performance evaluations show it
detection accuracy and reducing false alarms. Tested in simulations meets ICS delay constraints, achieving 31 ms round-trip times and
and real-world settings, it demonstrates deep learning’s potential to minimal processing delays, ensuring robust, real-time network secu-
improve microgrid cybersecurity and calls for further research to op- rity.
timize LSTM-SAE applications. The study in [46] addresses the need for an advanced security
Reference [6] presents a strategy to combat FDI attacks in architecture for MG systems, essential for Smartgrid 2.0. It iden-
cyber-physical MGs. By employing local credibility assessments tifies five key vulnerabilities related to wireless networks, service
and adaptive communication, it isolates compromised data while applications, gateways, Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), and
maintaining stability. Simulation results prove its effectiveness in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). The authors critique exist-
restoring voltage stability and preventing malicious data spread, un- ing standards from NIST and ITU-T for failing to tackle these issues.
derscoring the need for further research on resilient control strategies They propose a security architecture incorporating cryptography and
against emerging cyber threats. access control to enhance system integrity and stress the importance
The study in [20] introduces a Decentralized Transaction Sys- of a comprehensive security strategy for MG development.
tem (DTS) that employs blockchain technology for secure energy In [17], the authors introduce BlockDeepNet, a blockchain-
trading in MGs. This system enables energy producers and con- based deep reinforcement learning framework designed to bolster the
sumers, particularly EV owners, to trade surplus energy confiden- resilience of smart power systems against cyberattacks. This decen-
tially. Utilizing a consortium blockchain on the Ethereum platform, tralized approach detects and mitigates threats to smart grids using a
the DTS integrates smart contracts to ensure secure transactions and Block Deep Q-network architecture and Benford’s Law for anomaly
user privacy. The research highlights the potential of blockchain for detection.
scalable energy systems and suggests enhancing it with big data an- Consisting of five layers—physical, data, blockchain,
alytics while maintaining privacy. decentralized deep reinforcement learning, and applica-
In [24], the authors present a blockchain-IoT solution that mod- tion—BlockDeepNet enables comprehensive responses to cyber
ernizes electricity metering to improve security, transparency, and threats. Results show significant improvements in smart grid
billing efficiency. By integrating Hyperledger Fabric with IoT de- reliability, with resilience indices of 2.36 for communication
vices, they develop a real-time billing system that automates invoices failures, 0.91 for replay attacks, and 1.34 for false data injections.
and emails consumers directly. This method decentralizes data man- The framework effectively addresses various types of attacks,
agement and utilizes cryptographic measures for protection. The allowing for swift recovery with minimal disruption, highlighting
study shows that the approach is resilient to cyber threats and en- the importance of decentralized strategies for cybersecurity in
hances consumer trust and operational efficiency, while also calling critical infrastructures.
for further research on blockchain maturity, regulatory issues, and The study in [2] presents a new deep learning methodology
device compatibility. aimed at improving the cyber resilience of DC shipboard microgrids
In [22], a blockchain-based MG system in Saudi Arabia focuses by integrating hybrid signal processing techniques with a focus on
on safe and efficient energy distribution. The study presents a frame- detecting FDIAs. The authors utilize Wavelet Transform (WT) and
work for peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading and renewable energy Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) in conjunction with a one-
certificates (RECs). Results indicate improvements in cybersecurity, dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) to enhance the
trust, and efficiency while aiding renewable energy integration. The detection capabilities within DC Smart Microgrids (SMGs). The
authors suggest pilot projects to assess the feasibility of blockchain- proposed method leverages WT for effective feature extraction from
enabled MGs, emphasizing its potential for modernizing the energy signal fluctuations and SVD for dimensionality reduction, ultimately
sector. feeding these features into the 1D-CNN for high-accuracy attack de-
The paper in [8] examines the role of advanced digital tech- tection. The findings indicate that this integrated approach achieves
nologies, including Security Orchestration, Automation, and Re- an impressive detection accuracy of 95.75%, outperforming existing
sponse (SOAR),ML, AI, and Blockchain, in strengthening MG cy- techniques and demonstrating robustness across varying data injec-
bersecurity. Microgrids, essential for renewable energy integra- tion scenarios. The notably low validation loss of 0.104% further

IS&T International Symposium on Electronic Imaging 2025

Mobile Devices and Multimedia: Enabling Technologies, Algorithms, and Applications 2025 315-5
 supports the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. Overall, and addressing future energy management challenges.
this research significantly contributes to advancing the security of In the research paper by [7], a secure stochastic energy manage-
DC SMGs, highlighting future avenues for refining detection tech- ment scheme for hybrid AC-DC microgrids (HMGs) is presented.
niques and assessing their applicability in real-world operational This scheme integrates renewable energy sources, plug-in hybrid
contexts. electric vehicles (PHEVs), and energy storage devices. The study
Reference [15] reviews digital transformation in microgrids, fo- implements a deep learning-based intrusion detection system (IDS)
cusing on design, operation, optimization, and cybersecurity chal- to address false data injection attacks on metering infrastructures.
lenges. It highlights MGs as secure, sustainable energy solutions for The findings indicate that the proposed smart charging strategy sig-
urban and rural areas, emphasizing technologies like IoT, big data, nificantly reduces operational costs, particularly through effective
blockchain, and AI. The paper points out major barriers to digitaliza- energy storage management. The study concludes that combining
tion, particularly the need for robust cybersecurity to address emerg- IDS with optimal scheduling strategies enhances the reliability and
ing threats. Recommendations include encryption, access control, security of smart grids. It also recommends off-peak charging for
and personnel training. Overall, it emphasizes the importance of in- PHEVs to further minimize costs.
novative cybersecurity strategies to maximize the benefits of digital The paper by [35] explores the transformative impact of the
technologies in energy management. Internet of Things (IoT) on human society, particularly its poten-
In the research paper by [28], the authors introduce a distributed tial to revolutionize energy usage and support the development of
scheduling approach for Integrated MicroGrids (IMG) that uses bat- MGs. The research discusses how interconnected devices can en-
tery storage and renewable energy sources while ensuring data pri- hance energy efficiency and contribute to a more resilient energy
vacy through the Paillier cryptosystem. The objective is to minimize infrastructure. While the IoT offers significant opportunities for im-
operational costs across interconnected MGs. Using the Alternat- proving energy systems, the study highlights the necessity for regu-
ing Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) for optimization, the latory changes to facilitate its integration. The authors recommend
method demonstrates significant reductions in operational costs, fuel that future research should focus on identifying specific policies that
consumption, and battery degradation, converging within 40 to 50 it- will promote the growth of IoT in the energy sector.
erations per time slot. The findings show that the approach achieves In the research paper by [50], the authors explore the integration
results comparable to centralized solutions while effectively preserv- of power system simulators with communication network emulators
ing privacy in distributed energy resource management. to enhance the analysis of cyber-physical security in smart grids. The
The paper by [37] introduces a resilient control strategy for DC main objective is to improve the understanding of vulnerabilities and
MGs to combat FDI attacks on secondary control systems. It devel- defense mechanisms in interconnected energy and communication
ops a PI controller with adjustable gain to detect and mitigate false systems. The study discusses various interfacing methods, includ-
data from sensor and communication link attacks. The methodology ing network emulation and hardware-in-the-loop integration, with a
ensures data integrity during threats, and simulation results confirm focus on real-time simulation protocols such as TCP/IP to analyze
its effectiveness in maintaining system performance. This research potential cyber-attacks within a secure testbed environment. Addi-
advances the resilience of DC microgrids against cyber threats and tionally, the paper highlights a proposed mitigation strategy aimed
sets the stage for future robust control studies. at preventing under-frequency load shedding during cyber-attacks.
The paper by [43] reviews Demand-Side Management (DSM) This research emphasizes the need for a robust framework for cyber-
methodologies in modern power grids, emphasizing its role in en- physical security analysis, asserting that integrated simulations of
ergy transition and optimization. The authors stress the importance power and communication systems allow for more effective identifi-
of robust communication networks and advanced machine learning, cation of vulnerabilities and testing of countermeasures.
while suggesting future research should address regulatory, privacy, The research paper by [34] introduces the Software-defined In-
and cybersecurity challenges. telligent Grid Research Integration and Development Platform (SI-
In the review paper by [13], the authors examine the cyber re- GRID), now in its second generation with a shadow network for
silience of power electronics-enabled power systems, focusing on enhanced monitoring. SI-GRID provides a flexible testbed for ver-
vulnerabilities across the generation, transmission, and storage do- ifying control schemes, protection measures, and cybersecurity in
mains. The study introduces a cybersecurity framework specifically MGs. Key findings indicate it will enable benchmarking of MG con-
designed for closed-loop controllers, highlighting the importance of trols and assess cyber-attack impacts. The platform aims to create a
proactive measures to enhance system security. The findings reveal dataset of attack scenarios to evaluate countermeasures, facilitating
significant risks posed by cyber-attacks on power electronics devices the transition of MG science from labs to real-world applications.
and underscore the need for robust cybersecurity frameworks. This The research by [16] explores Wireless Sensor Networks
comprehensive analysis assists stakeholders in developing strategies (WSNs) in smart micro-grid systems, particularly their cybersecu-
to strengthen the resilience of power systems against emerging cyber rity benefits. A survey of 70 participants reveals a positive view of
threats. WSNs, with over half acknowledging their cybersecurity potential.
The paper by [21] reviews advancements and the control chal- However, concerns about their effectiveness in error reduction high-
lenges associated with microgrid, smart grid, and virtual power plant light the need for further research.
(VPP) systems, highlighting their importance in achieving energy The paper by [25] presents E+BOX, a control solution designed
sustainability. The research points out the necessity for sophisti- to tackle technical and regulatory challenges in critical infrastruc-
cated control algorithms to effectively integrate renewable energy ture. It focuses on cost efficiency, cybersecurity, and worker safety,
resources. Through a detailed analysis, the findings reveal that ad- employing real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test-
vanced strategies, such as predictive modeling and stochastic meth- ing. The findings highlight E+BOX’s effectiveness in optimizing
ods, are crucial for optimizing these systems. The study concludes distributed energy resources and suggest further exploration of its
that ongoing development and implementation of these advanced capabilities in different regulatory environments.
control strategies are essential for ensuring a reliable energy supply The paper by [12] examines the vulnerabilities of the IEC61850

IS&T International Symposium on Electronic Imaging 2025

315-7 Mobile Devices and Multimedia: Enabling Technologies, Algorithms, and Applications 2025
 Table 3: Findings and Discussion on Cybersecurity Challenges in Microgrid Systems

Cybersecurity Challenge Proposed Solution and Discussion

False Data Injection Attacks (FDIAs) Proportional-Integral (PI) controllers with adaptive gain, dynamic watermarking, and deep
learning techniques like Long Short-Term Memory Stacked Autoencoder (LSTM-SAE) im-
prove detection and maintain operational stability. Hybrid techniques like Wavelet Transform
and 1D-CNN achieve detection accuracy exceeding 95%.

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) and Mitigated with traffic camouflage, rootkit traps, and epidemiological models to secure com-
Side-Channel Attacks munication and data flow.

Vulnerabilities in Communication Stan- Addressed through distributed key management protocols and bi-layer neural network algo-
dards (e.g., IEC61850) rithms, ensuring secure encryption and analyzing communication patterns.

Data Integrity and Secure Transactions Blockchain-based microgrid systems ensure secure, transparent transactions and robust data
management.

Real-Time Threat Detection Cloud-Based Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (CB-IDPS) provide scalable real-
time threat detection and response.

Cyber-Physical System Integration Digital twins and co-simulation platforms enable real-time monitoring, testing, and valida-
tion, improving the alignment between physical operations and cybersecurity requirements.

General Resilience to Cyber Threats Combining advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital twins
enhances system resilience and adaptability against evolving threats.

communication protocol in smart grids using Hardware-In-the-Loop abilities in communication protocols, alongside their corresponding
(HIL) real-time testbeds. It evaluates the protocol’s effectiveness mitigation techniques. Table 3 summarizes the key cybersecurity
in microgrid protection, focusing on communication delays and cy- challenges in microgrid systems and the proposed solutions to ad-
ber attack resilience. Testing various IEC61850 protocols, including dress them effectively.
GOOSE and Sampled Values, reveals that while the protocol effec-
tively isolates faults, it is vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. Conclusion
The findings emphasize the need for further cybersecurity research In conclusion, microgrids represent a pivotal advancement
in smart grid communications. in modern energy systems; however, their dependence on digital
In a research paper by [26], the authors introduce a course called communication and control systems makes them susceptible to a
”Introduction to Smart Grids” in the Electrical Engineering Technol- wide array of cybersecurity threats. Addressing critical challenges
ogy program at Old Dominion University. The course focuses on such as FDIA and DDoS attacks necessitates advanced mitigation
smart grid technologies, including communication and distributed techniques, including deep learning, dynamic watermarking, and
energy resources. The study concludes that integrating smart grid blockchain integration. For less severe issues, such as data integrity
concepts into engineering curricula is vital for preparing future engi- concerns and vulnerabilities in communication protocols, robust so-
neers and addressing workforce skill gaps. lutions like distributed key management and secure communication
The research paper by [31] presents a Massive Open Online frameworks are essential.
Course (MOOC) on Electrical Microgrids, emphasizing Cybersecu- This study underscores the importance of integrating cutting-
rity, State Estimation, and Optimization. Designed for students and edge technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and dig-
professionals, the course uses real datasets from the Dominican Re- ital twins into microgrid systems to enhance their resilience. To
public and MATLAB simulations to enhance skills in operating elec- achieve a secure and sustainable energy infrastructure, future re-
trical microgrids. By incorporating machine learning and artificial search should prioritize scalable and adaptable solutions that can ad-
intelligence, it provides hands-on experience for developing critical dress the ever-evolving landscape of cyberthreats.
thinking in modern energy systems. Preliminary results indicate suc-
cess in training machine learning classifiers to detect cyber-attacks, Acknowledgments
highlighting the MOOC’s potential to enhance system efficiency and The European Union partially supported this work through
security. Future research could expand the curriculum to address ERASMUS MUNDUS, Project CyberMACS (Project No.
emerging cybersecurity challenges. 101082683) ([Link]

Findings and Discussion Author Biography

MG systems are essential to modern energy infrastructures, but M. Eng. Saiful Islam – Research Associate at SRH University
they face significant cybersecurity challenges that require innovative of Applied Sciences HD. Department of School of Technology and
and advanced solutions. The findings highlight various threats, such Architecture (TEAC). Researcher in the field of Renewable Energy
as FDIAs, Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, and vulner- and Optimization techniques. He is currently a PhD student at Otto-

IS&T International Symposium on Electronic Imaging 2025

Mobile Devices and Multimedia: Enabling Technologies, Algorithms, and Applications 2025 315-7
 von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Germany. [9] A. H. EL-Ebiary, M. Mokhtar, A. M. Mansour, and F. H. et al.
Klaus Schwarz received his [Link]. and [Link]. in Computer Sci- Awad. Distributed mitigation layers for voltages and currents
ence from Technische Hochschule Brandenburg (Germany) in 2017 cyber-attacks on dc microgrids interfacing converters. Ener-
and 2020, respectively. He is currently a Ph.D. student at the Uni- gies, 2022.
versity of Granada, Spain, and is a lecturer at the SRH University [10] H. Faraji and R. Hemmati. Coordinated control and en-
in Berlin. His research interests include AI, IoT and smart home ergy management combined with cyberattack identification in
security, OSINT, mechatronics, additive manufacturing, embedded multi-microgrid integrated with hybrid renewable-storage. IET
systems, artificial intelligence, and cloud security. As a faculty mem- Smart Grid, 2024.
ber at SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, he has developed a [11] M. el Hariri, E. Harmon, T. Youssef, and M. et al. Saleh. The
graduate program in Applied Mechatronic Systems focusing on Em- iec 61850 sampled measured values protocol: Analysis, threat
bedded Systems. identification, and feasibility of using nn forecasters to detect
Prof. Dr. Michael Hartmann – Academic Director of Depart- spoofed packets. Energies, 2019.
ment of SRH School of Technology and Architecture (TEAC); Head [12] M. Hemmati, H. Palahalli, G. S. Gajani, and G. Gruosso. Im-
of the Study Programs: Engineering and International Business; En- pact and vulnerability analysis of iec61850 in smartgrids using
gineering and Sustainable Technology Management. multiple hil real-time testbeds. IEEE Access, n.d.
Prof. Dr. Reiner Creutzburg - Retired Professor for Applied [13] J. Hou, C. Hu, S. Lei, and Y. Hou. Cyber resilience of power
Computer Science at the Technische Hochschule Brandenburg in electronics-enabled power systems: A review. Renewable and
Brandenburg, Germany. Since 2019 he is a Professor of IT Secu- Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2024.
rity at the SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Berlin School [14] T. Huang, D. Wu, and M. Ilic. Cyber-resilient automatic gen-
of Technology. He is a member of the IEEE and SPIE and chair- eration control for systems of ac microgrids. arXiv preprint,
man of the Multimedia on Mobile Devices (MOBMU) Conference 2022.
at the Electronic Imaging conferences since 2005. In 2019, he was [15] E. Irmak, E. Kabalci, and Y. Kabalci. Digital transformation of
elected a member of the Leibniz Society of Sciences to Berlin e.V. microgrids: A review of design, operation, optimization, and
His research interest is focused on Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, cybersecurity. Energies, 2023.
Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), Multimedia Signal Processing, [16] B. Jain, S. Sirdeshpande, and M. S. et al. Gowtham. Ex-
eLearning, Parallel Memory Architectures, and Modern Digital Me- ploratory data analysis based on microgrids generation for con-
dia and Imaging Applications trol communication and monitoring via wireless sensor net-
work. In 2nd International Conference on Advance Computing
and Innovative Technologies in Engineering, 2022.
References [17] P. R. Jeyaraj, E. Rajan Samuel Nadar, and L. Mihet-Popa.
[1] Qobad Shafiee Abbas Ahmadi. An estimation based detection Deep-block network for cyberattack mitigation and assessment
method for deception cyber attack in ac microgrids. IEEE 3rd in smart grid power system with resilience indices. Electric
International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Future Power Components and Systems, 2023.
Electric Transportation (SEFET), 2023. [18] A. Karimi, A. Ahmadi, Z. Shahbazi, Q. Shafiee, and
[2] Z. Ali, T. Hussain, and C. L. et al. Su. A new paradigm for H. Bevrani. A resilient control method against false data injec-
adaptive cyber-resilience of dc shipboard microgrids using hy- tion attack in dc microgrids. In 7th International Conference
brid signal processing with deep learning method. IEEE Trans- on Control, Instrumentation and Automation, 2021.
actions on Transportation Electrification, 2024. [19] M. Khalaf, A. Ayad, H. Kamal Tushar, M. Kassouf, and
[3] Farzad Ferdowsi Nenad Mijatovic-Tomislav Dragiˇcevi´c Ali D. Kundur. A survey on cyber-physical security of active dis-
Jafarian Abianeh, Yihao Wan. Vulnerability identification and tribution networks in smart grids. IEEE Access, n.d.
remediation of fdi attacks in islanded dc microgrids using mul- [20] M. Khan, J. Imtiaz, and M. Najam Ul Islam. A blockchain
tiagent reinforcement learning. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON based secure decentralized transaction system for energy trad-
POWER ELECTRONICS, VOL. 37, NO. 6, 2022. ing in microgrids. IEEE Access, n.d.
[4] M. I. Baza, M. M. Fouda, A. S. T. Eldien, and H. A. K. Man- [21] R. Khan, N. Islam, and S. K. et al. Das. Energy sustainability-
sour. An efficient distributed approach for key management in survey on technology and control of microgrid, smart grid and
microgrids. In 11th International Computer Engineering Con- virtual power plant. IEEE Access, 2021.
ference, 2016. [22] M. M. Khubrani and S. Alam. Blockchain-based microgrid
[5] J. Brugman, M. Khan, S. Kasera, and M. Parvania. Cloud based for safe and reliable power generation and distribution: A case
intrusion detection and prevention system for industrial con- study of saudi arabia. Energies, 2023.
trol systems using software defined networking. In Resilience [23] S. S. Koduru, V. S. P. Machina, and S. Madichetty. Cyber at-
Week, 2019. tacks in cyber-physical microgrid systems: A comprehensive
[6] G. Cao, R. Jia, and J. Dang. Distributed resilient mitigation review. Energies, 2023.
strategy for false data injection attack in cyber-physical micro- [24] K. Koštál, M. N. Bahar, S. Numyalai, and M. Ries. Be-
grids. Frontiers in Energy Research, 2022. yond integration: Advancing electricity metering with secure
[7] T. Cheng, X. Zhu, and X. et al. Gu. Stochastic energy manage- and transparent blockchain-iot solutions. In 47th Interna-
ment and scheduling of microgrids in correlated environment: tional Conference on Telecommunications and Signal Process-
A deep learning-oriented approach. Sustainable Cities and So- ing, 2024.
ciety, 2021. [25] R. A. S. Kraemer, D. P. Dias, and A. C. et al. da Silva. Cost and
[8] S. de Dutta and R. Prasad. Cybersecurity for microgrid. In In- cybersecurity challenges in the commissioning of microgrids in
ternational Symposium on Wireless Personal Multimedia Com- critical infrastructure: Coge case study. Energies, 2022.
munications, 2020. [26] M. Kuzlu, O. Popescu, and V. M. Jovanovic. Development

IS&T International Symposium on Electronic Imaging 2025

315-9 Mobile Devices and Multimedia: Enabling Technologies, Algorithms, and Applications 2025
 of a smart grid course in an electrical engineering technology control of grid-tied power electronic converters - challenges
program, 2021. and vulnerabilities. IEEE Journal of Emerging and Selected
[27] Dongfeng Fang Hui Zeng Lei Xiong, Qichao Xu. Modeling Topics in Power Electronics, 2021.
and analysis for the propagation of ddos attacks in microgrid [43] D. Said. A survey on information communication technologies
system. IEEE Intl Conf on Dependable, Autonomic and Secure in modern demand-side management for smart grids: Chal-
Computing, Intl Conf on Pervasive Intelligence and Comput- lenges, solutions, and opportunities. IEEE Engineering Man-
ing, Intl Conf on Cloud and Big Data Computing, Intl Conf on agement Review, 2023.
Cyber Science and Technology Congress, 2023. [44] Goran Rafajlovski Michael Hartmann Saiful Islam, Sanket
[28] N. Liu, C. Wang, M. Cheng, and J. Wang. A privacy-preserving Shrikant Patil and Reiner Creutzburg. Technical design and
distributed optimal scheduling for interconnected microgrids. operational control of a decentralized microgrid in rural area.
Energies, 2016. in Proc. IS&T Int’l. Symp. on Electronic Imaging: Mobile De-
[29] Tatsiana Zoryna Liudmila Gurina. Distributed energy: Bene- vices and Multimedia: Technologies, Algorithms & Applica-
fits of use and threats to cybersecurity. International Confer- tions, 2021.
ence on Industrial Engineering, Applications and Manufactur- [45] P. S. Sarker, V. Venkataramanan, D. S. Cardenas, A. Srivastava,
ing (ICIEAM), 2023. A. Hahn, and B. Miller. Cyber-physical security and resiliency
[30] Peddoju Sateesh Kumar Ganesh Balu Kumbhar Ram Singh- analysis testbed for critical microgrids with ieee 2030.5. In
Vivek Thakur Manoj Tripathy, Rajdeep Niyogi. A novel ap- 8th Workshop on Modeling and Simulation of Cyber-Physical
proach for detection of cyber attacks in microgrid scada sys- Energy Systems, 2020.
tem. IEEE 3rd International Conference on Sustainable En- [46] J. T. Seo. Towards the advanced security architecture for mi-
ergy and Future Electric Transportation (SEFET), 2023. crogrid systems and applications. Journal of Supercomputing,
[31] R. Maria Melendez-Norona. Design of a massively open online 2016.
course on electrical microgrids with real datasets, n.d. [47] A. Takiddin, S. Rath, M. Ismail, and S. Sahoo. Data-driven de-
[32] Andy Sugiarto Alex Valderrama Niroj Gurung Hong- tection of stealth cyber-attacks in dc microgrids. IEEE Systems
hao Zheng-Aleksandar Vukojevic Mehrdad Sheikholeslami, Journal, 2022.
Kip Gering. Data security in networked microgrids for trans- [48] K. M. Venkatachalam V. Saravanan. Overview of microgrid
acting energy. IEEE PES Transactive Energy Systems Confer- systems. International Journal of Advances in Applied Sci-
ence (TESC), 2022. ences (IJAAS), Vol. 10, No. 4, 2021.
[33] Radu Florin Porumb Bogdan-Adrian Enache George- [49] A. Vasilakis. The evolution of research in microgrids control.
Calin Seritan Mihai Alexandru Pisla, Marilena Stanculescu. Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/OAJPE.2020.3030348, 2020.
Microgrid cyber security enhancement considerations mihai. [50] V. Venkataramanan, P. Wang, and A. et al. Srivastava. Interfac-
THE 13th INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON ADVANCED ing techniques in testbed for cyber-physical security analysis
TOPICS IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, 2023. of the electric power grid. In Workshop on Modeling and Sim-
[34] B. Ollis, P. Irminger, and M. et al. Buckner. Software-defined ulation of Cyber-Physical Energy Systems, 2017.
intelligent grid research integration and development platform. [51] A. Yazdani and R. Iravani. Voltage-sourced converters in power
In IEEE Power and Energy Society Innovative Smart Grid systems. Hoboken, NJ, USA: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2010.
Technologies Conference, 2016. [52] Lingfeng Wang Zhengrong Chen, Zhaoxi Liu. A modified
[35] G. Parise, L. Parise, and M. Parise. Evolution of human society model predictive control method for frequency regulation of
and of things assisted by iot. In International Symposium on microgrids under status feedback attacks and time-delay at-
Technology and Society, 2018. tacks. Electrical Power and Energy Systems 137, 2022.
[36] S. J. Pinto, P. Siano, and M. Parente. Review of cybersecu- [53] X. Zhong, L. Yu, R. Brooks, and G. K. Venayagamoorthy. Cy-
rity analysis in smart distribution systems and future directions ber security in smart dc microgrid operations. In 2015 IEEE 1st
for using unsupervised learning methods for cyber detection. International Conference on Direct Current Microgrids, 2015.
Energies, 16(4), 2023.
[37] N. Priyadharshini, S. Gomathy, and M. Sabarimuthu. A review
on microgrid architecture, cyber security threats and standards.
In Materials Today: Proceedings, 2021.
[38] Jian Li Qingyu Su, Haoyu Fan. Distributed adaptive secondary
control of ac microgrid under false data injection attack. Elec-
tric Power Systems Research, Volume 223, 2023.
[39] C. Feregrino-Uribe R. Campos-Sanchez, L. Hernandez-
Martinez. Iot architecture and security mecanisms for an en-
ergy management system in a smart microgrid. 20th Interna-
tional Conference on Electrical Engineering, Computing Sci-
ence and Automatic Control (CCE), 2023.
[40] S. Rath, S. Sengupta, and T. Das. Improvise, adapt, overcome:
Dynamic resiliency against unknown attack vectors in micro-
grid cybersecurity games. arXiv preprint, n.d.
[41] G. Roascio, G. Costa, E. Baccelli, and L. et al. Malina. Har-
monics: High-assurance microgrid network infrastructure case
study. IEEE Access, n.d.
[42] S. Sahoo, T. Dragicevic, and F. Blaabjerg. Cyber security in

IS&T International Symposium on Electronic Imaging 2025

Mobile Devices and Multimedia: Enabling Technologies, Algorithms, and Applications 2025 315-9
 JOIN US AT THE NEXT EI!

Imaging across applications . . . Where industry and academia meet!

• SHORT COURSES • EXHIBITS • DEMONSTRATION SESSION • PLENARY TALKS •

• INTERACTIVE PAPER SESSION • SPECIAL EVENTS • TECHNICAL SESSIONS •

[Link]