Current Status and Perspective of Vulnerability Assessment of Cyber-Physical Power Systems Based on Complex Network Theory

The increasing factors of uncertainty faced by the system are due to the deep coupling of the electric power cyber network and the physical network. Consequently, ensuring the efficient, secure, and stable operation of the cyber–physical power system (CPPS) has become a key concern. To achieve this, vulnerability assessment plays a crucial role, as it identifies and protects the vulnerable points of the system. The application of complex network theory to assess the vulnerability of CPPSs has garnered significant attention from scholars. This paper delves into the research connotation of vulnerability assessment for CPPSs, starting with the origin, definition, and classification of vulnerability. Subsequently, the assessment framework of vulnerability based on complex network theory is presented, and the status of current domestic and international research in this field is summarized. Furthermore, the interrelationship between system vulnerability and cascading failures is analyzed from the perspective of complex network theory. In conclusion, the ideas of CPPS coupling modeling in vulnerability assessment are summarized, the concept of situation awareness is introduced, and a prospective approach for dynamic vulnerability assessment is proposed. This approach is based on situation awareness combined with complex network theory. Security protection and optimal operation of CPPSs based on vulnerability assessment are also discussed, along with the assessment of vulnerability within integrated energy cyber–physical systems (IECPSs).