A Taxonomy of Cyber Defence Strategies Against False Data Attacks in Smart Grids

The modern electric power grid, known as the Smart Grid, has fast transformed the isolated and centrally controlled power system to a fast and massively connected cyber-physical system that benefits from the revolutions happening in communications (such as 5G/6G) and the fast adoption of Internet of Things devices (such as intelligent electronic devices and smart meters). While the synergy of a vast number of cyber-physical entities has allowed the Smart Grid to be much more effective and sustainable in meeting the growing global energy challenges, it has also brought with it a large number of vulnerabilities resulting in breaches of data integrity, confidentiality, and availability. False data injection (FDI) appears to be among the most critical cyberattacks and has been a focal point of interest for both research and industry. To this end, this article presents a comprehensive review of the recent advances in defence countermeasures of FDI attacks on the Smart Grid. Relevant existing works of literature are evaluated and compared in terms of their theoretical and practical significance to Smart Grid cybersecurity. In conclusion, a range of technical limitations of existing false data attack detection research is identified, and a number of future research directions are recommended.