Preprint Communication Version 2 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Simulation and Analysis of Cyber-Attack on Modbus Protocol for Smart Grids in Virtual Environment

Version 1 : Received: 12 September 2023 / Approved: 13 September 2023 / Online: 14 September 2023 (10:30:05 CEST)
Version 2 : Received: 23 September 2023 / Approved: 25 September 2023 / Online: 25 September 2023 (11:04:26 CEST)

How to cite: Banik, T.; Manicavasagam, R.; Banik, S.; Banik, S. Simulation and Analysis of Cyber-Attack on Modbus Protocol for Smart Grids in Virtual Environment. Preprints 2023, 2023090984. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202309.0984.v2 Banik, T.; Manicavasagam, R.; Banik, S.; Banik, S. Simulation and Analysis of Cyber-Attack on Modbus Protocol for Smart Grids in Virtual Environment. Preprints 2023, 2023090984. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202309.0984.v2

Abstract

Smart grid capabilities have grown significantly in recent years. The smart grid provides advanced real-time handling of faults, advanced automatic control for efficient electricity transmission, monitoring and collection of the electrical system's capacity, and communication for information sharing. Unfortunately, its exposure to public networks makes it increasingly vulnerable to privacy breaches, vulnerabilities, and cyber-attacks. Cyber security threats and vulnerabilities in smart grid networks have become a primary concern that needs to be addressed before deploying a smart grid. Furthermore, the wide range of protocols increases the attack surface of a smart grid. This study focuses on the vulnerability of Modbus, which is regarded as one of the most prevalent protocols in smart grid communication networks. This paper presents preliminary findings of analyzing cyber-attacks against the Modbus protocol using a virtual testbed to investigate its effects on the smart grid network protocol. The concept incorporates an emulated Modbus/TCP network environment built from open-source software components that imitate fundamental industrial control features of the smart grid. Finally, we analyze the cycle of a cyber-attack leading through Reconnaissance to a DoS attack on the Modbus/TCP protocol and propose improvements to the test bed for protocol attack detection and mitigation.

Keywords

smart grid (SG); communication protocols; Modbus; virtual testbed; cyber-attacks; and security vulnerabilities

Subject

Computer Science and Mathematics, Computer Networks and Communications

Comments (1)

Comment 1
Received: 25 September 2023
Commenter: Shampa Banik
Commenter's Conflict of Interests: Author
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