CYBER SECURITY IN INFRASTRUCTURES. APPLICATION TO THE COMPONENTS OF A SMART GRID

Abstract

Nowadays, cybersecurity labs all around the world are trying to specify guidelines intended to improve the security in totally connected systems such as Smart Grids or autonomous vehicles. Smart Grids came up from the necessity of coordinating generation devices and loads, mostly when the penetration of renewable energies is high. Given its nature, its proper operation relies in fast and secure communications. However, the fast growth of this type of infrastructure, perhaps did not allow paying enough attention to the requirements of security to assure an operation resistant to increasingly complex cyberattacks. This paper addresses how to use the latest software and hardware technology to protect the generators and loads belonging a Smart Grid against cyber-attacks by using a secure layer based in digital identity and encryption. The study has been carried out using a laboratory prototype including the latest cybersecurity technology integrated within a renewable power plant belonging a Smart Grid. Finally, advantages and disadvantages have been analyzed. Key Words: Smart Grid, secure communications, cryptographic card, SSL, TLS