CYBER SECURITY FRAMEWORK FOR SMART ELECTRICAL GRIDS USING BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

The digitalization of power systems through smart grids introduces advanced monitoring, automation, and control capabilities but also exposes critical infrastructures to sophisticated cyber threats. Traditional centralized security mechanisms struggle to ensure data integrity, device authentication, and resilience against attacks in large-scale, heterogeneous smart grid environments. This paper proposes a cybersecurity framework for smart electrical grids based on blockchain technology, leveraging its decentralization, immutability, and consensus mechanisms. The framework integrates blockchain with smart meters, substations, control centers, and distributed energy resources (DERs) to secure data exchange, enhance traceability, and prevent unauthorized manipulation. Key components, including identity management, access control, secure logging, and intrusion detection, are discussed. The paper also examines performance, scalability, and integration challenges and outlines future research directions for blockchain-enabled cyber-resilient smart grids.