An algorithm is proposed to recover out-of-service loads (OOSLs) in smart distribution
systems (SDSs) after exposure to cyber-attacks (CAs) resulting in interruptions of in-service
loads (INSLs). The proposed algorithm is implemented in three steps. The first step is
based on building the SDS in matrix form to be data input to the proposed algorithm. The
second step is concerned with classifying the SDS into three zones: the attacked zone, the
primary neighbor zone, and the secondary neighbor zone. The third step is performing five
maneuvering processes (MPs) to recover the OOSL without breaking the electric limitations
(ELs). The ELs are related to the maximum branch current, the node voltage, the load
priority, the radiality maintenance of the SDS, the minimum system total power loss, the
instruction sequence of the automatic-communication-switches (ACS), and the minimum
number of ACSs. The proposed algorithm was tested under a 70-bus SDS with four electric
supply feeders. The proposed algorithm achieved supply recovery for all OOSLs with
efficiency of 100% after the occurrence of a CA on a single or double ACS without breaking
the ELs. The proposed algorithm succeeded in achieving supply recovery for 97.6%, 97.1%,
and 96.4% of the OOSLs after the simultaneous occurrence of a CA on three, four, and five
ACSs, respectively, without breaking the ELs. The advantages of the proposed algorithm
are a lack of dependency on the system size, a short electric supply recovery time within
the range of 190–199 ms, a lack of dependency on distributed generation (DG), and the
achievement of self-healing in the SDS following a single and two simultaneous CAs, as well
as almost achieving self-healing under exposure to three, four, and five simultaneous CAs.