Modeling time-varying wide-scale distributed denial of service attacks on electric vehicle charging Stations

Abstract

With the continuous development of transportation electrification, Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS) have become pivotal components, necessitating robust cybersecurity frameworks to mitigate potential threats. This work explores the complex dynamics of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks aimed at EVCS, highlighting the multifaceted interplay between the generation of attack traffic and its implications on grid stability. Introducing a novel mathematical model for extensive DDoS attacks on EVCS, this work simulates the attack methodology through a time-variant Poisson process, encapsulating the behaviors of attacks bots and their cumulative impact on the targeted EVCS. The model further incorporates the variability of attack intensity, utilizing the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process to reflect on the temporal evolution and traceability of the attacks. Moreover, by integrating queueing theory, the model facilitates a detailed examination of traffic dynamics under DDoS conditions, providing insights into potential delays and service interruptions. The study also investigates the impact of DDoS attacks on both the dynamic and steady-state operation of the grid, offering a comprehensive perspective on the cybersecurity threat landscape. Simulation outcomes confirm that successful disruptions in EVCS due to DDoS attacks can lead to significant disturbances, underscoring the need for robust cybersecurity protocols.

Keywords

• DDoS attacks
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (EVCS)
• Cybersecurity of Energy Infrastructures
• Cyberattacks Attack Generation Model
• Ornstein-Uhlenbeck