Digital Substations and Cybersecurity in the Transformation of the Electricity Sector

Digital substations are changing electrical systems by integrating new technologies into smart grids. However, implementing digital substations brings various advantages and challenges. Adopting information and communication technologies (ICTs) demands examining network infrastructure, cyber threats, and vulnerabilities. Examining digital substation protocols, communication structures, and identifying cyber vulnerabilities is crucial for successful digital transformation and energy transition. In addition, lab-based cyberattacks replicate real scenarios to test defenses and risk-mitigation approaches. Therefore, this paper presents a simulated substation environment that emulates physical and digital elements, demonstrating successful spoofing attacks through GOOSE messaging. This study highlights the importance of managing cyber risks in digital systems and how they can affect power grids. The study reveals vulnerabilities like those within GOOSE messaging, proposing attributes for early attack detection. Furthermore, the study provides valuable guidance for implementing innovative applications and advancing human capital knowledge in the energy sector.