10128041Cybersecurity Assessment of Energy Grids using Digital Twins for EV ApplicationsClosedGrant for R&DInnovate UKIn pursuit of enhancing the security and stability of energy grids, our project employs a pioneering approach through the creation of energy digital twins, specifically designed for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. Recognising their critical role within energy infrastructure, this initiative is tailored to simulate, evaluate, improve their resilience against cyber threats, ensuring a robust and efficient energy network. Our project harnesses the capabilities of CyberAutonomy's advanced digital twin platform with CRISKLE, a cybersecurity SaaS platform by Secure Elements tailored for automotive applications. This synergistic combination enables precise replication of Grid-EV charging station behaviours, providing detailed insights into their performance, bolstering our capacity to detect, analyse, mitigate potential security breaches. Moreover, the digital twin encompasses interactions between charging stations, other integral grid components, distribution networks, thereby offering a comprehensive view of the grid's operational dynamics and vulnerabilities. We incorporate four innovative features into our approach: 1\. EV and Grid Simulation: Utilising the digital twin platform, we create accurate virtual models of real-world EV charging stations allowing analysis of complex test scenarios that are impractical in the physical realm, enhancing our understanding and preparedness. 2\. Cybersecurity Assessment and Simulation: Through CRISKLE, we perform a threat and cybersecurity risk assessment (TARA) compliant with ISO/SAE 21434 standards focused on the EV-Grid-Vehicle system architecture. This assessment identifies potential attack vectors that target critical assets within the energy grid. This will lead to creating a simulation of cyber threats to test the resilience of systems against malicious activities. 3.Grid Interaction Modelling: Our simulation platform examines the interactions between EV charging stations and other grid elements, aiding energy providers in optimising grid operations, improving energy distribution strategies, and enhancing overall grid reliability. 4\. Vehicle Simulation based Intrusion Detection System (IDS): We integrate an open-source vehicle simulation with a custom developed IDS to detect anomalies originating from simulated cyberattacks within the grid digital twin. Triggered IDS alerts are logged, reported to Secure Elements' CRISKLE Mobility Security Operations Centre (MSoC) for detailed security analysis and implementation of cybersecurity controls. To validate our research, we will simulate two distinct types of cyberattacks \[MitM\], \[DoS\] , prompting the IDS within the vehicle to detect and generate alerts on CRISKLE MSoC. The outcomes of our project significantly enhance the cyber resilience of energy systems, data, and information within energy networks. This advancement fosters sustainable transportation and grid ecosystems, increasing collaboration, ultimately leading to the development of commercially viable solutions.