Engineering Innovation in
Smart Energy & Utilities
Through a research project, we develop a framework that ensures safe and resilient management of Critical Energy Infrastructures, which mitigates computer and physical threats.
Approach & Solution
Approach
The protection of Critical Energy Infrastructures (CEI), such as nuclear power plants or networks, is playing an increasingly important role in our daily life. However, current theoretical approaches to countering threats are not sufficient, as they are based on incomplete models.
In order to meet these challenges, DEFENDER proposes the following objectives:
- Transforming Critical Energy Infrastructures in Cyber-Physical Systems to manage the effects of potential cyber and physical threats.
- Managing infrastructure security through a specific life cycle analysis model.
- Training staff to identify threats and act in case of emergencies.
Solution
DEFENDER will:
- combine security devices and technologies (e.g. fixed sensors, drones, advanced video surveillance, etc.) to identify cyber and physical threats, mitigate accidents and respond to emergencies;
- provide a "Human-In-The-Loop" approach to manage the interactions between human and infrastructure, also exploiting blockchain technology for peer-to-peer reliability. In this way, it will be possible to ensure a high level of reliability and complete information.
Results
Effective detection of physical and cyber threats
Accident mitigation and rapid response to emergencies
Solid tracking of operations through blockchain
Project value
Innovation
Enabling Technologies
Blockchain Cybersecurity
Project Team
Research & Innovation