Implementing a Novel Cybersecurity Algorithm for Smart Grid SCADA System

The shift to smart grids requires strong cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure from evolving threats. The integration of automation systems increases vulnerability to cyberattacks, particularly targeting Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. Ensuring secure communication and data integrity is essential for maintaining the reliability and resilience of smart grids. This study introduces a novel cybersecurity algorithm for Smart Grid SCADA systems, addressing modern cyber threats. The algorithm enhances authentication, availability, data integrity, and confidentiality while minimizing computational overhead. It integrates N-th degree Truncated polynomial Ring Units (NTRU) and Toom-Cook algorithms for optimized security. The proposed Enhanced Cybersecurity (ECS) algorithm was evaluated using Network Simulator Version-2 (NS-2) against Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) and Rivest-Shamir-Adleman (RSA). Results show high-speed encryption (1.4 ms) and decryption (2.9 ms) with minimal processing resource use. Under DoS attacks, ECS experienced only 0.5