Critics of Smart Grid argue that it is not secure enough to be rolled out yet. They may even paint a doomsday picture similar to ‘Die Hard 4’, with hackers breaking into the grid and controlling the nation’s power system. That kind of extreme scenario is shocking — in essence launching a denial of service (DOS) attack that can imperil critical infrastructure. This year’s Black Hat conference plans to showcase similar security threats that can impact smart meters and devices. NIST has put out a 270 page roadmap of Smart Grid standards and protocols that address various aspects of controls, including security. These guidelines can help utility companies, manufacturers, technology vendors, and service integrators to streamline controls when rolling out Smart Grid. However, the implementation of this approach is missing to date.
It is very important to discuss the risks associated with deploying smart metering technology without proper security controls. Smart Grid technologies should only be implemented under a compliance mandate. The fear is that the pilots underway today are not keeping security as the top priority. These roll outs can compromise data privacy and jeopardize user information if security measures are not taken. Government guidelines can provide value here by helping to define appropriate controls and pinpoint specific measures to secure these components.
via The Forrester Blog For Security & Risk Professionals.
Related posts:
- Strengthened Cyber Security Standards Approved by the NERC- Are we more secure?
- DOE, NIST aim to secure smart grid — Government Computer News
- Energy Risk – Adding Structure to the Smart Grid’s Retail Demand Response Resources, Part VII @ RiskCenter: A Financial Risk Management Media Company
- Secure smart-grid meters sooner, not later, security expert says — Government Computer News
- Smart grid security risks exposed at Black Hat | Search Security Asia
