Work

Zero-Dynamics Attack With Adjustable Destructiveness and Stealthiness Against Automatic Voltage Regulators in Power System

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The automatic voltage regulator (AVR) plays a vital role in ensuring the stability of power systems by regulating the generator’s output voltage. Maintaining consistent voltage levels is essential for reliable system operation. However, emerging cyber threats, particularly zero-dynamics attacks (ZDAs), pose severe challenges to the integrity and security of such systems. This article presents a novel zero-dynamics attack framework, in which the destructiveness and stealthiness of the attack can be systematically tuned by modifying the coefficient matrix of the injected signal and incorporating an auxiliary term. A mathematical model of the AVR system is developed to analyze the impact of the proposed attack. The results indicate that the attack accelerates the divergence of internal states, thereby increasing its destructive potential, albeit with a moderate reduction in stealth. Compared to conventional zero-dynamics attack, the proposed strategy demonstrates a significantly faster destabilizing effect on the AVR system. By adjusting the signal parameters, the balance between attack destructiveness and stealthiness can be flexibly controlled. To counter this threat, a proactive defense method using controller switching is proposed. Simulation results demonstrate that this defense successfully defends against both standard and enhanced zero-dynamics attacks.

Source: IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics

DOI: 10.1109/tii.2026.3717725

Authors: Heng Zhang, Tianpei Li, Endong Liu, Qiang Cheng, Jian Zhang, Ming Li

Institutions: Jiangsu Ocean University, Heze University

Language: English

Topic: Smart Grid Security and Resilience

Subfield: Control and Systems Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,645