Although the risk assessment discipline has been studied from long ago as a means to support security investment decision-making, no holistic approach exists to continuously and quantitatively analyze cyber risks in scenarios where attacks and defenses may target different parts of Internet of Things (IoT)-based smart grid systems. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive methodology that enables informed decisions on security protection for smart grid systems by the continuous assessment of cyber risks. The solution is based on the use of attack defense trees modelled on the system and computation of the proposed risk attributes that enables an assessment of the system risks by propagating the risk attributes in the tree nodes. The method allows system risk sensitivity analyses to be performed with respect to different attack and defense scenarios, and optimizes security strategies with respect to risk minimization. The methodology proposes the use of standard security and privacy defense taxonomies from internationally recognized security control families, such as the NIST SP 800-53, which facilitates security certifications. Finally, the paper describes the validation of the methodology carried out in a real smart building energy efficiency application that combines multiple components deployed in cloud and IoT resources. The scenario demonstrates the feasibility of the method to not only perform initial quantitative estimations of system risks but also to continuously keep the risk assessment up to date according to the system conditions during operation.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is revolutionizing the digital world and becoming the cornerstone of the modern digital systems. The capabilities of cybercriminals are expanding as they adopt new technologies like zero-day exploits or new business models such as hacker-as-a-service. While AI capabilities can improve cybersecurity measures, this same technology can also be utilized as an offensive cyber weapon to create sophisticated and intricate cyber-attacks. This paper describes an AI-powered mechanism for the automatic generation of attack techniques, ranging from initial attack vectors to impact-related actions. It presents a comprehensive analysis of simulated attacks by highlighting the attack tactics and techniques that are more likely to be generated using AI technology, specifically Large Language Model (LLM) technology. The work empirically demonstrates that LLM technology can be easily used by cybercriminals for attack execution. Moreover, the solution can complement Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) platforms and frameworks that automate the security assessment in a controlled manner. BAS could be enhanced with AI-powered attack simulation by bringing forth new ways to automatically program multiple attack techniques, even multiple versions of the same attack technique. Therefore, AI-enhanced attack simulation can assist in ensuring digital systems are bulletproof and protected against a great variety of attack vectors and actions.

With increasing interdependencies and evolving threats, maintaining operational continuity in critical systems has become a significant challenge. This paper presents the DYNABIC (Dynamic business continuity of critical infrastructures on top of adaptive multi-level cybersecurity) approach as a comprehensive framework to enhance the resilience of critical infrastructures. The DYNABIC approach provides the resilience enhancement through dynamic adaptation, automated response, collaboration, risk assessment, and continuous improvement. By fostering a proactive and collaborative approach to resilience, the DYNABIC framework empowers critical infrastructure sectors to effectively mitigate disruptions and recover from incidents. The paper explores the key components and architecture of the DYNABIC approach and highlights its potential to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructures using the concept of Digital Twins in the face of evolving threats and complex operating environments involving cascading effects.