Development of a Laboratory Testbed for Cybersecurity Evaluation of Distribution Substations Using Open Source Tools

This paper presents a novel approach to developing a laboratory testbed for cybersecurity testing distribution substations, focusing on the GOOSE communication protocol specified by IEC 61850. The testbed uniquely employs opensource tools to accurately replicate the operational conditions of a real substation, utilizing Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 7. This combination ensures high fidelity to real-world applications while maintaining a safe and isolated environment. A significant novelty of this research lies in its ability to use TRL 7 level equipment and integrate diverse open-source tools, which enhances the realism and applicability of cybersecurity tests. Substations’ increasing digitization and automation introduces new cybersecurity vulnerabilities that could disrupt power distribution, underscoring the necessity for robust security measures. The developed testbed offers a vital platform for rigorously testing and improving cybersecurity defences, safeguarding critical infrastructure against evolving threats. This comprehensive approach addresses existing challenges and sets a new standard for future research and development in substation cybersecurity.