Smart Grid System Security

Smart Grid System Security
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Table of Contents
 TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u  HYPERLINK \l "_Toc338019656"
Executive summary  PAGEREF _Toc338019656 \h
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1.0 Introduction  PAGEREF _Toc338019657 \h
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2.0 Values of a smart grid  PAGEREF _Toc338019658 \h
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3.0 Principle advantages of any smart grid  PAGEREF _Toc338019659 \h
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4.0 Features of smart grid system  PAGEREF _Toc338019660 \h
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4.1 Meters (Smart Meters)  PAGEREF _Toc338019661 \h
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4.2 Technology  PAGEREF _Toc338019662 \h
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4.3 Stability  PAGEREF _Toc338019663 \h
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4.4 Integration  PAGEREF _Toc338019664 \h
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4.5 Infrastructure  PAGEREF _Toc338019665 \h
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5.0 The security of a smart grid  PAGEREF _Toc338019666 \h
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6.0 Common challenges in security  PAGEREF _Toc338019667 \h
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7.0 Internet Protocol for Smart Grids  PAGEREF _Toc338019668 \h
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8.0 Conclusion  PAGEREF _Toc338019669 \h
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References  PAGEREF _Toc338019670 \h
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Executive summary
The definition of a smart grid system may differ when it comes to the scale and the features. The single most unifying character of the smart grid system though, is its ability to self-adapt and regulate by balancing the quantity of demanded power to the amount supplied. The system collects data in real time that helps assess demand and supply quotients. These data could be about patterns of say consumers in a given area (American national standards institute, 2012). To improve on efficiency and service delivery in the most economical and sustainable manner, companies that handle utilities that affect vast geographical and demographic elements use smart grids to boost efficiency.
The smart grids concept is based on values that are set off by the need for a sustainable power supply to the economy. The consumer gets access to reliable power based on the demand created, while the producing utility balances out the created demand, without the risk of system instability (Smart grid news, 2012). To function, the grid has the infrastructure such as the Advanced Metering that is automated to collect and relay data on power usage, from which demand and supply values are derived.
Security, which is the main idea, addressed in this paper, is paramount for such a system to remain stable and reliable. Due to the sensitivity of the services provided by the smart grid systems, they are prone to attack by hackers who try to sabotage or control the system using the loop holes in the security system. The main platform used by the massive connections from the supplier to the consumers premises is the mesh network which is wireless. The devices on the grid use Internet Protocol (IP) to communicate within the network (Smart grid news, 2012). Due to weaknesses that exist within the network and complexity that increases with increased connections because of growth, security presents many challenges. It is noteworthy, that cyber security breaches revolutionize quickly and is therefore, vital that security solutions are dynamic as well.
1.0 Introduction
The definition of a smart grid system differs in terms of features and scale. The single most unifying character is its ability to monitor changes in demand by consumers and supply from the producers. The grid systems are composed of electrical grids that make use of information, communications technologies to collect data and respond independently (American national standards institute, 2012). These data could be about patterns of say consumers in a given area. To improve on efficiency and services delivery in the most economical and sustainable manner, companies that handle utilities that affect huge geographical and demographic elements use smart grids to boost efficiency. The economy today depends on computers phones, network systems, robotic manufacturing just to mention a few. Life, on the other hand, depends on lot devices and appliances as well. With all these kind of gadgetry, the digital economy is at stake as the whole system depends on the power. This calls for a grid system that is up to the task, of providing without fail so that these services are sustainable (Smart grid news, 2012).
More than 70% of transmission lines and transformers are 20 years or older, so are the 60% of circuit breakers. All these illustrious inventions came in the 50s and then installed in the 60s and 70s, before the microprocessors era. The old grid is thus outmoded and stressed, as they cannot handle power shipments that are bulk. This is the main reason why most companies and even on the larger scale countries go in to great lengths of setting up the smart grid systems. The losses that come with the old systems due to blackouts provide much of the driving force, behind the face of change (American national standards institute, 2012).
In the era, new threats have come with technological advances. Cyber attacks in the last few years have been on the rise, targeting critical infrastructures in the market. The main reason as to why these attacks are towards critical infrastructures is to disrupt assets that have the ability to affect essential functionality of the society as a whole (Smart grid news, 2012). Examples of the critical systems affected by these attacks include communications, transportation and core utilities. Power, in this case, is most critical, as its disruption will render the rest of the systems disabled. Power is the independent valuable in the equation; this is why cyber criminals attack this link. The world is becoming more digitally inclined as the days go by; there are more computers than there was a decade ago, while the connection capabilities get more complex (PR news wire, 2012). It is for this simple yet complex subtle reason that companies in the information and communication sector are taking the precaution to setup smart grid systems that can ensure smooth, uninterrupted power. In the same stride, the need for power that is even more reliable is required than ever before.
These systems in their complexity require constant evaluation, assessing the level of risk and tolerance to unseen shortcomings of the system. By doing this the companies can estimate how often the system requires maintenance and how soon the system needs to be upgraded. To reduce the occurrence of unplanned risks, it is vital to minimize the downtimes. Most companies do not do this, but instead spend all their efforts and resources trying to revive a system that is old and unproductive. These systems, therefore, call for careful planning and implementation to minimize disruptions.
2.0 Values of a smart grid
Smart grids are not just structures but concepts, built around certain core values that give it the subtle meaning. Transformation of the system into a smart grid requires immense investment and commitment coming from all the stakeholders. The values of the system are set off by the need for sustainable services. Meeting these expectations will demand there be advancements in the core values of a smart grid system (PR news wire, 2012).
These systems have the task of providing reliable power to the consumers without compromising on the quality the consumers demand. Security of the system is paramount, as it should withstand cyber and physical attacks without the risk of suffering massive recovery losses and blackouts. It should also not be vulnerable to natural disasters and with the ability to recover fast from the same. On the economic frontier, the system should follow the basic laws supply and demand, with enough supplies at the fairest of prices (PR news wire, 2012). As mentioned earlier this new concept, is efficient by cutting down on cost while maximizing on the usability at even the personal levels. The safety of the system should be high and sensitive enough to the grid worker and the public, bearing in mind that medical applications to use the grid services. Finally, environmental issues take the front seats in any development today; therefore, smart grids are no exceptions (American national standards institute, 2012).
3.0 Principle advantages of any smart grid
The smart grid fall between the supply and demand to be satisfied. As such, it is an intermediate agent transitioning between transactions. Changing from the old to this new and smart grid comes with many advantages that form the principles supporting its adoption. The functionality of the grid relies on the principles that define it. A smart grid should provide customers with information and options that can assist them to take part in the new energy markets. This way the consumers get the chance to participate on the daily grid operations.
The grid will seamlessly integrate with all manner of power generation and storage options, which include different types and sizes. Interconnectivity should provide a convenience for simple and international standards. Soon enough there will be cars that will use electricity to run, this requires the system to be accommodating enough with high levels of convenience. The smart grid will provide a connection web that spreads through a wide range of market. It supports ...