griDNA

griDNA leverages AI analytics and cyber-physical situational awareness to enhance effective power grid operations by transforming critical infrastructure monitoring

Business Problem

Current monitoring solutions for critical infrastructure systems operate in silos, focusing either on network traffic from cyber systems or physics based measurements from physical systems. This fragmented approach creates significant gaps in situational awareness because operators lack a unified view of how cyber and physical events interact.

Without integrated monitoring, it becomes challenging to detect and respond to disturbances that may originate from either domain or arise from their interdependencies. This can lead to delayed responses to disturbances and vulnerabilities, reducing system resilience. For instance, a cyberattack on an operational technology network may not be immediately recognized as impacting physical operations, leading to cascading failures across the infrastructure.

Customer Need

Operators of critical infrastructure systems require a comprehensive monitoring solution that provides real-time insights into both cyber and physical states to achieve Cyber-Physical Situational Awareness (CPSA). They need early indicators of potential disturbances, improved planning capabilities, and enhanced coordination between cyber defenders and physical system operators to mitigate risks effectively.

Sandia Approach

Sandia researchers have developed griDNA which offers a multilevel CPSA solution that integrates advanced data fusion and AI/ML techniques such as autoencoder neural networks. By deploying sensors at local, enclave, and global levels, griDNA collects and analyzes data concurrently, providing a holistic view of interconnected systems. This architecture enables localized analysis and early detection of anomalies, which can be escalated for broader awareness and action.

Competitive Advantage

griDNA offers several key advantages in the market. Unlike existing monitoring systems that operate independently, griDNA uniquely fuses cyber-physical data to deliver a unified perspective on system health. Its AI/ML capabilities adapt to changing conditions, allowing for real-time classification of events and automatic connections between operators and defenders. This innovative approach not only enhances cybersecurity but also optimizes operational processes.

Technical Benefits

griDNA offers:

• Comprehensive CPSA: Achieve situational awareness across interconnected systems.
• Early Warning Indicators: Detect potential disturbances before they propagate.
• Improved Planning and Operations: Gain insights into interdependencies to enhance system resilience.
• Flexible Deployment: Utilize low-cost, plug-and-play solutions suitable for resource constrained environments.

Industries & Applications

• Water supply
• Transportation
• Telecommunications
• Electric utilities
• Natural gas systems

Technical Figures