Point to point information about importance of cyber security in smart grid
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A smart grid can help utilities conserve energy, reduce costs, increase reliability and transparency, and make processes more efficient. The increasing use of IT-based electric power systems, however, increases cyber security vulnerabilities, which increases cyber security’s importance. Utilities must consider smart grid security, including vulnerable areas, strategic issues, the layered security approach, data management and privacy concerns, and scenario planning and threat profiling.
Smart Grid Technology & Vulnerabilities
Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and a meter data management system (MDMS) are basic smart grid components. AMI collects and transmits smart meter data between devices and MDMS facilitates data collection, storage and management. The smart grid system applies AMI sensing, measurement and control devices with two-way communications to the power grid’s production, transmission, distribution and consumption segments to enable real-time pricing, monitoring and conservation. These technologies communicate information about grid conditions to system users, operators and automated devices, making it possible to respond dynamically to grid condition changes (see Figure 1).
With MDMS technology’s evolution, MDMS data is being used for newer applications, including customer applications, Web portals, internal Web portals, reporting functions, independent system operators and suppliers. These features create a grid that is more efficient, uses better failsafe controls, provides consumers with better energy usage information, and provides utilities with efficient operational processes.
Change management processes should be developed to allow both proper testing of changes and rapid response to new risks. As utilities engineer new ways to add technology and intelligence to the electric grid, this technology’s proliferation can bring cyber security vulnerabilities to smart grid architecture, AMI and MDMS technology, communication protocols, home area networks, customer portals and hardware. Companies should consider the technical vulnerabilities associated with these technologies.
Architecture: A typical AMI’s metering network is connected to the core MDMS network. An attacker might be able to exploit weaknesses in this infrastructure and gain access to the MDMS as well as to the corporate network itself. Organizations should design systems to protect against widespread attacks, such as denial-of-service attacks. Local systems should be capable of autonomous operation in the case of a communication failure. Systems should also establish varied trust levels in devices based on device classification.
Interoperability: AMI technology creates interoperability and security risks around components and functions, including application interface risks, single point of failure for production environment risks and fraud risks. A MDMS receives vast amounts of data from the AMI. This data must be actively managed to gain available operational advantages and to protect customer-specific data.
Communication protocols: Communication between AMI devices and the MDMS could be compromised if the communication is not encrypted end-to-end. Authentication and authorization between devices should be encrypted to protect against rogue or tampered devices.
Interfaces: Smart grid interfaces, such as Web-based applications, are subject to the typical vulnerabilities associated with the system’s protocols and applications.
Home area networks (HANs): Smart appliances within HANs also can be vulnerable. Wireless communications between smart appliances and central systems should be secured to protect against interception or manipulation.
Customer portals: Attackers can use social engineering techniques to access customer accounts and change customer settings. This can affect the utility’s network and customer demand.
Hardware: Hardware also can expose the network to new vulnerabilities. The smart meter is connected to the wireless AMI ne
Smart Grid Technology & Vulnerabilities
Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and a meter data management system (MDMS) are basic smart grid components. AMI collects and transmits smart meter data between devices and MDMS facilitates data collection, storage and management. The smart grid system applies AMI sensing, measurement and control devices with two-way communications to the power grid’s production, transmission, distribution and consumption segments to enable real-time pricing, monitoring and conservation. These technologies communicate information about grid conditions to system users, operators and automated devices, making it possible to respond dynamically to grid condition changes (see Figure 1).
With MDMS technology’s evolution, MDMS data is being used for newer applications, including customer applications, Web portals, internal Web portals, reporting functions, independent system operators and suppliers. These features create a grid that is more efficient, uses better failsafe controls, provides consumers with better energy usage information, and provides utilities with efficient operational processes.
Change management processes should be developed to allow both proper testing of changes and rapid response to new risks. As utilities engineer new ways to add technology and intelligence to the electric grid, this technology’s proliferation can bring cyber security vulnerabilities to smart grid architecture, AMI and MDMS technology, communication protocols, home area networks, customer portals and hardware. Companies should consider the technical vulnerabilities associated with these technologies.
Architecture: A typical AMI’s metering network is connected to the core MDMS network. An attacker might be able to exploit weaknesses in this infrastructure and gain access to the MDMS as well as to the corporate network itself. Organizations should design systems to protect against widespread attacks, such as denial-of-service attacks. Local systems should be capable of autonomous operation in the case of a communication failure. Systems should also establish varied trust levels in devices based on device classification.
Interoperability: AMI technology creates interoperability and security risks around components and functions, including application interface risks, single point of failure for production environment risks and fraud risks. A MDMS receives vast amounts of data from the AMI. This data must be actively managed to gain available operational advantages and to protect customer-specific data.
Communication protocols: Communication between AMI devices and the MDMS could be compromised if the communication is not encrypted end-to-end. Authentication and authorization between devices should be encrypted to protect against rogue or tampered devices.
Interfaces: Smart grid interfaces, such as Web-based applications, are subject to the typical vulnerabilities associated with the system’s protocols and applications.
Home area networks (HANs): Smart appliances within HANs also can be vulnerable. Wireless communications between smart appliances and central systems should be secured to protect against interception or manipulation.
Customer portals: Attackers can use social engineering techniques to access customer accounts and change customer settings. This can affect the utility’s network and customer demand.
Hardware: Hardware also can expose the network to new vulnerabilities. The smart meter is connected to the wireless AMI ne
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