The University of Rhode Island, led by Prof. Hui Lin, has been awarded an NSF CAREER grant to develop the PARP (Preemptive Anti-Reconnaissance for Power grids) system. This project advances smart grid cybersecurity by preventing adversaries from gathering intelligence to launch attacks.
Key Highlights:
- AI/ML Innovation: Develops an electrical-model-guided Generative Adversarial Network (EleGAN) to generate decoy power grid data, misleading attackers and exposing malicious behaviors.
- Virtualized Network Security: Uses Control Function Virtualization (CFV) with Software-Defined Networking (SDN) to simulate control operations and create misleading network traffic.
- Real-World Testing: Implements PARP in a high-fidelity hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testbed at the URI CYPHER Center.
Impact and Value:
- For Industry & Leaders: Enhances the resilience of smart grids, protecting critical infrastructure from advanced cyberattacks.
- For Students: Provides opportunities to research cutting-edge AI applications in cybersecurity.
- For National Security: Contributes to national cybersecurity resilience through advanced AI-driven defense techniques.
This NSF CAREER-funded project integrates AI, ML, and cyber-physical security to safeguard critical infrastructure while fostering future cybersecurity experts.
Funding Source: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Amount: $499,998.13
PI: Hui Lin
Funding Period: September 1, 2022 – August 30, 2027