IEC 61850 is a global standard for communication networks and systems in substations, primarily used for automation in the power utility sector. It defines how devices within substations, such as circuit breakers and transformers, communicate with each other and control systems. A key component of IEC 61850 is the Manufacturing Message Specification (MMS) protocol, which facilitates real-time communication between devices and control centers by allowing the exchange of structured data over IP networks. MMS is designed for high-performance, reliable data transfer, ensuring that critical commands and information—such as equipment status, control operations, and event logs—are communicated in a timely and secure manner. This protocol plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless and efficient operation of smart grids and automated substations.
The thesis topic is to develop and test different attacks for MMS, evaluate the results and suggest protections and mitigations. The first step of the analysis is to build a simplified virtual playground, where different attack options can be analyzed.