Although cyber attacks have been ruled out in last month's grid collapse, destabilization of the energy sector could lead to a "cascading effect on national security and economy", the report says. It points out that the main vulnerabilities are in the transmission and distribution sectors.
"Cyber attacks can be perpetrated from any side, either by outsiders or insiders and may have far-reaching and detrimental effects on power systems' controls," the report says. It points out that "the effect of vulnerabilities in centralized systems in transmission sector is wide and may impact synchronous operation of the entire power system , leading to grid collapse."
The reason why generating units are less vulnerable is because switching operations are independent of computer networking. It is not clear if an outmoded system is a buffer against cyber shocks, but it helped investigators rule out comparisons with a China-based attack on US power systems.
A cyber assault can disrupt services to critical users like hospitals and Metro rail systems and such an attack may choose to target distribution where the bulk of automation is evident. The report says a reliable telecom network — currently not in place — can be built.
"Since Powergrid has its own fibre optic cables ... a proper communication/IT network may be built using dedicated fibres to avoid cyber attacks on the power system," the report says.
It has also highlighted a serious threat to operations of Delhi Metro in the event of a massive power breakdown.