Smart Grid – A Call for Improved Security

Smart Grid includes a proliferation of intelligent devices across the entire energy delivery system, thereby establishing a communication link between these devices and developing a means to collect, convert, and analyze a myriad of system data.

Measures to Improve Electric System Security

In accomplishing this proliferation of intelligent devices, electric utilities are confronted with security challenges which will require systems and processes beyond those already in existence to secure the transmission and distribution system. These challenges include:

• The advent of advanced metering systems which will lead to the need for greater data network security with stronger firewalls and ongoing testing for unwanted intrusions into the systems.
• Protective measures for the communications infrastructure (i.e. cyber security) include integrating Smart Grid related security initiatives with the systems already in place in substations.
• Physical security of the meters is a significant concern, requiring physical constraints (e.g. brackets) to act as physical barriers to anyone attempting to steal meters until the technology (in the form of software) provides a way to track the migration of a meter to another location.
• Like physical security, information security will ultimately rely upon technology innovation. But, until that is realized, the onus will be on coding or otherwise altering any presentation material for particularly sensitive information.

Improved or Impenetrable

Recognizing that the electric industry will never be able to design and implement a system that is totally impenetrable, the key will be to demonstrate through technology innovation and process improvements a continuing trend of increased security.