Smart Grid Security

A few notes on security from The Smart Grid Security Blog's webcast, an IBM-sponsored blog co-authored by Jack Danahy (IBM Security Exec) and Andy Bochman (IBM Energy Lead).

Security is the #1 or #2 priority and concern of utilities around the Smart Grid.  Effecting a smarter grid by adding two-way communications from the utility to/from the meter to/from energy-using devices is a fundamental change in the grid.  This communications infrastructure must be kept secure from amateur acts of vandalism to organized criminal and homeland security threats.

First a look at the grid, the components and the opportunities it presents in the future. The components range from energy sensors to traditional and distributed generation to storage and to smart appliances.

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Next a look at several sources of security vulnerability. Two major types of concern:
1. System level - effecting hardware to eliminate service or affect devices
2. Data level - privacy concerns, potential of fraud

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Finally a look at potential worst-case scenarios, from accidental to intentional and from internal to external:

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Thoughts & Analysis:

While security concerns are real, and present real issues, I believe the key takeaway is not to forgo the Smart Grid, but to recognize that these problems exist and need to be addressed. Communications security is nothing new, it just needs to be considered and implemented when adding the communications infrastructure necessary to effect the Smart Grid.