PowerRange: An immersive cyber range for power grid operators

International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, vol. 53, pp. 100845

Abstract

Power grids are increasingly targeted by cyberattacks that can disrupt operations and even cause large-scale blackouts. As these critical cyber–physical systems become more digitized and reliant on communication technologies, their attack surface increases, making cybersecurity a growing concern. While technical and organizational measures are essential, their effectiveness is limited without addressing the human factor. Practical, user-centered training is thus crucial to ensure the correct implementation and usability of security measures. However, suitable training environments for power systems remain scarce. This paper introduces PowerRange , an advanced cyber range specifically designed for power grid operators. PowerRange extends a state-of-the-art power grid co-simulator with various user interaction capabilities, including hardware-in-the-loop integration and modern control room software. It supports flexible, automated configuration of realistic scenarios, enabling immersive, hands-on cybersecurity training for key stakeholders, including management, control room staff, and IT/OT personnel. Preliminary pilot training sessions indicate that, beyond improving technical skills, PowerRange promotes cross-functional collaboration and strengthens incident response capabilities.

Authors 3

1. Lennart Bader corresponding Aachen Security and Privacy in Industrial Cooperation

   RWTH Aachen University · Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics

   Affiliation as printed

   Cyber Analysis & Defense, Fraunhofer FKIE, Fraunhoferstraße 20, Wachtberg, 53343, NRW, Germany

   Security and Privacy in Industrial Cooperation, RWTH Aachen University, Im Süsterfeld 9, Aachen, 52072, NRW, Germany

2. Eric Wagner

   Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics · University of Luxembourg · Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust

   Affiliation as printed

   Cyber Analysis & Defense, Fraunhofer FKIE, Fraunhoferstraße 20, Wachtberg, 53343, NRW, Germany

   Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability and Trust (SnT), University of Luxembourg, 29 Av. John F. Kennedy, Luxembourg

3. Martin Serror

   Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics

   Affiliation as printed

   Cyber Analysis & Defense, Fraunhofer FKIE, Fraunhoferstraße 20, Wachtberg, 53343, NRW, Germany