Cybersecurity in the Smart Grid

In the past, the easiest way to attack the electrical grid would have been to physically access and destroy components. However, with the introduction of the smart grid and its increased dependence on information and communication technologies (ICT), the future grid may be vulnerable to pernicious cyber attacks performed remotely. In CRISALIS and SysSec, we are studying the properties of the envisioned smart grid to enable us to anticipate and mitigate future attacks against this critical infrastructure. In Europe and elsewhere, the electrical grid is being transitioned into the “smart grid ” in order to increase flexibility and accommodate large scale energy pro-duction from renewable sources. This transition involves, among other steps, the installation of new, advanced equip-ment – for example, the replacement of traditional domestic electrical meters with smart meters- and remote commu