Cyber-Physical Vulnerabilities and NIST Mitigation Framework for Power Sector

As power systems evolve and increasingly rely on digital technology, they become more vulnerable to both cyber and physical threats. This paper explores the growing chal-lenges faced by modern power grids, particularly regarding the cybersecurity risks. It takes a closer look at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and how it helps address these issues. By guiding organizations through steps such as identifying risks, protecting systems, detecting attacks, responding effectively, and recovering quickly, the NIST CSF provides a strong foundation for securing critical power infrastructure. In particular, this paper highlights the improvements from NIST CSF 1.0 to 2.0, including stronger focus on zero trust security, supply chain risks, and emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and distributed energy resources (DERs). The analysis shows how these frameworks are essential for maintaining the stability, reliability, and security of critical systems against evolving threats.”