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Smart Grid - Cyber Security

A smart grid is an integrated electric grid of electricity network and advanced digital
communication technologies to provide a more efficient electricity delivery system. Due to
the increased technology integration into the electric grid, it requires a robust cyber
security system to protect it from threats and unauthorized access.

Read this chapter to learn the role of cyber security in protecting the smart grids.

What is Cyber Security in Smart Grid?

In the context of smart grids, cyber security is defined as the measures and techniques
used to protect the grid infrastructure from cyber threats.

A smart grid is a digital communication empowered electricity grid, hence it is vulnerable to

cybercrimes and threats. Therefore, we have to perform a wide range of activities from
communication channel security to protection of sensitive data. These activities are
referred to as cyber security.

Cyber security plays an important role in smart grids to ensure uninterrupted power
delivery to the end users.

Important Terms Related Smart Grid Cyber Security

The following terms and definitions are important for understanding the smart grid cyber
security.

1. Cyber Infrastructure

It is a system of components that includes electronic information and communication

systems. It performs the following functions −

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Provides communication and cooperation among all hardware and software

components.

Performs processing like creation, access, modification, and destruction of

information.

Performs storage of information in all media formats.

Provides sharing and distribution of information across the grid.

Therefore, the cyber infrastructure provides digital components working together to build
an efficient and responsive electricity delivery system.

2. Cyber Security

The security activities that focus on protecting the digital communication system and
ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information is referred to as cyber
security.

Cyber security typically includes the following activities −

Prevention of unauthorized access of digital information.

Secure data transmission through encryption.

Authentication and access control implementation in the system.

Protecting the system against suspicious activities.

3. Cyber Security Risks

The following are some major cyber security risks that affects the integrity of any digital
communication system −

Security risks due to malicious programs like malware and viruses that can lead
malfunctioning of the system or steal the information.
Phishing attacks are another common cyber security risks. In these attacks, users
sensitive information is collected through deceptive messages or emails.
To cause unwanted shutdown of a system, DOS (Denial of Service) attack is
performed by sending sudden excessive traffic to the system.

All these cyber security risks can breakdown the smart grid system and can lead to
consequences like power outages or data breaches.

Smart Grid Security Issues

Listed here are some of the major issues related to smart grid security −

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Smart grid uses a large number of communication and smart devices. Therefore, it
has a wide surface for security attacks. Thus, in smart grids, the security attackers
can enter to the system from various points.

Smart grids can face security issues due to incompatibility between different
technologies.

A smart grid system consisting of older components is more vulnerable to modern

cyber threats. Hence, another security issue is related to smart grids infrastructure
upgradation.

System-Level Threats

In smart grids, those cyber security threats that can impact and take down the entire grid
are referred to as system-level threats. The following are the major consequences of the
system-level threats in smart grids −

Security attackers can manipulate the grid for changing the electricity flow, causing
the power outages or equipment damage.

Attackers can inject false data into the grid communication system that can result in
incorrect decision making by utilities and consumers.

Attackers can also disrupt the supply chain to introduce vulnerability in the system.

Attempts to Steal Electrical Service

It is one of the common cyber security threats in the smart grid. Under this cyber threat,
the security attackers hack into the smart meters to alter the meter readings and reduce
the energy bills. This threat causes a significant financial loss for the utility companies.

Attempts to Compromise the Confidentiality of Data

Smart grids collect and store a large volume of consumers sensitive data. Attackers can
have unauthorized access to this consumer data and can lead to privacy violations and
identity theft. Using this cyber-attack, the competitive companies can also steal utilitys
operational data and affect the business.

Cyber Threat Mitigation Techniques

Cyber threat mitigation techniques in smart grid can be classified into the following
Chapters Categories
categories −

Physical Security − Under this security practice, the SCADA network is found to be
poorly protected in most smart grids. Therefore, the primary security measure to
protect the smart grid is that we should try to keep the intruders off the premises.
This could be achieved through video surveillance, electronic access control, etc.

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Privacy and Security of Data − In smart grid, a large variety of entities are
involved. Thus, it is very important to protect the data during storage and
transmission. For this, we have to implement firewalls between different segments of
the smart grid, avoid using insecure remote data management, avoid failed
authentication account lockout and logging problems.

Authorized and Access Control − A typical smart grid system is accessed by

various user groups like employers, employees, contractors, vendors, consumers,
etc. These groups are provided with proper authorization and access through strong
passwords.

Securing Network Devices and Systems − The smart meters must be equipped
with temper detection system. Other devices are also provided proper protection
through unique key.

Conclusion
Cyber security plays an important role in smart grid systems because a smart grid uses
digital communication technology and data collection and storage. These components are
highly vulnerable to cyber risks. Therefore, to maintain confidentiality and integrity of the
smart grid system, we should implement robust cyber security measures so that the
smart grid can be kept protected from all kinds of cyber threats.

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