A methodological framework for vulnerability analysis of interdependent infrastructure systems under deliberate attacks

Abstract In this paper, we give a methodological framework to analyze vulnerability of interdependent infrastructure systems under deliberate attacks. Meanwhile, the intelligence of attackers is considered and a method of critical attack area identification according to community detection is proposed as well. The Interdependent power and gas system in Wuhan, China is taken as the example. We determine the vulnerabilities of different critical areas in both independent and interdependent scenarios. In the meantime, percolation theory are utilized and different coupling strengths are considered to further analyze the vulnerabilities. It is found that the disruption of only a few vertices may lead to complete collapsing for some critical areas and the vulnerabilities increase when systems become interdependent. Therefore, greater protection should be given to critical areas of a network in order to reduce the vulnerabilities when deliberate attacks occur. The proposed method could help decision makers develop mitigation techniques and optimal protection strategies.

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