From Static Defenses to Industrial-Grade Adaptive Shields: Data-Driven MTD for Renewable-rich Smart Grids Against Advanced Cyber Threats
The clean-energy boom has pushed our grids from predictable, one-way power flows to fast-changing, data-soaked systems, perfect hunting grounds for sophisticated cyber attackers. This talk traces the evolution from static “castle-wall” defenses to adaptive, data-driven shields that keep would-be intruders guessing. We’ll unpack the core ideas behind Moving-Target Defense (MTD): why constantly and intelligently nudging grid parameters raises the cost of an attack, how to balance resilience with operating budgets, and what operators can do right now, even without fancy new hardware. Real-world incidents and simulation stories will ground the discussion, and we’ll close with a candid look at open research questions and policy hurdles ahead.
Date and Time
Location
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- Date: 29 Apr 2025
- Time: 05:00 PM UTC to 06:00 PM UTC
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- Starts 23 April 2025 07:00 AM UTC
- Ends 29 April 2025 05:00 PM UTC
- No Admission Charge
Speakers
Mostafa Mohammadpourfard
From Static Defenses to Industrial-Grade Adaptive Shields: Data-Driven MTD for Renewable-rich Smart Grids Against Advanc
The clean-energy boom has pushed our grids from predictable, one-way power flows to fast-changing, data-soaked systems, perfect hunting grounds for sophisticated cyber attackers. This talk traces the evolution from static “castle-wall” defenses to adaptive, data-driven shields that keep would-be intruders guessing. We’ll unpack the core ideas behind Moving-Target Defense (MTD): why constantly and intelligently nudging grid parameters raises the cost of an attack, how to balance resilience with operating budgets, and what operators can do right now, even without fancy new hardware. Real-world incidents and simulation stories will ground the discussion, and we’ll close with a candid look at open research questions and policy hurdles ahead.
Biography:
Dr. Mostafa Mohammadpourfard, PhD in Computer Science, is an Assistant Professor of Renewable Energy Cybersecurity at Texas Tech University, where he studies how machine learning and control theory can harden renewable-rich power systems against cyber threats. He joined TTU in 2024 after a post-doctoral stint at Arizona State University and is a senior member of IEEE, with 40-plus peer-reviewed papers while reviewing 100-plus for various journals.