Aspects of the concept of cyber-protected objects of a digital electrical network with elements of Zero Trust Architecture in Russia

Abstract

Modern trends in the development of the electric power industry declare the widespread use of information and communication technologies and digital services to improve the operation of relay protection and automation (RPA) subsystems, Industrial Control Systems (ICS), commercial electricity metering systems, etc. However, it is associated with an increase in the number of cyber threats and risks of disrupting the stable functioning of electric power facilities due to destructive information influences. The report presents aspects of a holistic concept of building cyber-protected digital substations with elements of Zero Trust Architecture. Based on the results of the theoretical investigation the authors assume the possibility of technical testing of the proposed approaches to build a cyber-protected digital substation as a part of the emerging Research and Development (R&D) programs for the practical implementation of the zero-trust policy.