In the course of the transformation from power grids into cyber physical power systems(CPPSs)

the significant interdependency between cyber and physical layer renders the supportive information infrastructure

providing the ability of communication

computation and control

as an important component for the safe and stable operation of power systems. The frequent cyber-attacks aimed at CPPS in recent years have raised more concerns. A variety of researches focus on the topic of cyber security and attacks in CPPS and propose methods and solutions to tackle relevant problems. This paper provides a review of current research methods on the sub-topics of attack modelling and security evaluation. The general ideas and essence of the subtopics are concluded

and the deficiencies of current researches are described with consideration of the characteristics of CPPS

its developing trend and rising challenges. On that basis

some further research topics and potential methodologies are given in order to put forward the research on CPPS cyber-attacks in future work.