Cybersecurity Strategies for Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading in Community Microgrids

The incorporation of peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading mechanisms within community microgrids represents a transformative shift towards decentralized and consumer-driven energy markets. While this paradigm enhances grid flexibility and promotes renewable energy utilization, it also introduces critical cybersecurity challenges due to the reliance on advanced communication networks and distributed ledger technologies. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of cybersecurity strategies tailored for P2P energy trading in community microgrids. We investigate potential attack vectors including data tampering, unauthorized access, and denial-of-service attacks, and examine their impact on trading integrity and grid stability. The study evaluates contemporary solutions such as blockchain-based authentication, privacy-preserving transaction protocols, and intrusion detection systems adapted to resource-constrained environments. Furthermore, a layered security framework is proposed, integrating cryptographic mechanisms, real-time monitoring, and resilient network architectures to safeguard trading operations. Simulation-based validation demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed strategies in mitigating cyber risks while maintaining operational efficiency. The findings aim to guide future research and practical deployment of secure, scalable, and trustworthy P2P energy exchange platforms in communal microgrids.