CYBER SECURITY ISSUES IN SMART GRID

Abstract

Smart Grid is an iteration of power grid that merges Information Technology (IT) with Operational Technology (OT). It is more efficient, reliable and economical as compared to the conventional power grid. It also supports renewable energy and enhances power generation, transmission and distribution. Due to extensive use of communication and computer networks, there are inborn challenges of Cyber Security in Smart Grid. For an efficient energy management, a continuous exchange of data between various subsystems and control center in a secured manner is required. This massive data exchange is vulnerable to cyber-attacks which can compromise the integrity of the system. There is an evolution in cyber-crime which includes state sponsored cyber terrorism, Stuxnet attack on Iranian nuclear Plant, Black Energy 3 attack in Ukraine and cyber-attack on Kudankulam Nuclear power plant in India, Night Dragon originated from China [1]. These are just few examples of cyber-attacks on the system. These attacks are a matter of grave concern and can jeopardise the national security through the externally triggered collapse of the power grid. Now smart meter devices provide two way communications between the utilities and customer. Distribution utilities use Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to monitor and prepare bill of electricity consumption. In this new era of internet and technology, hackers always come up with new ways and means to hack into AMI system and smart meters. They can manipulate the data for their own benefit. This incurs Non-Technical Losses (NTL) on utilities which contribute to financial losses. The customer who acquires electricity via stealing uses energy at zero or near zero prices. This electricity consumption by stealing is subsidies from local taxes. Overall the consumption of non-paying entities is paid by the society at large.