Implementing an integrated security management framework to ensure a secure smart grid

Abstract

The paradigm-shifting transition in today's `smart grid' is the perfect convergence of IT and OT systems that build an intelligent electricity system to distribute electricity more effectively all the way from transmission to customer appliances. While this transformation promises immense operational benefits to the utilities, it brings along significant security concerns in terms of increasing the enterprise-class security risk. The challenge for the utilities therefore, is to implement new approaches and tools in building a secure smart grid network that is reliable and resilient. This paper therefore introduces an `integrated security management framework' that offers critical infrastructure-grade security, to multiple utility technologies in establishing an enterprise wide integrated security management system. This comprehensive security architecture offers improved interconnect of diverse systems, and establishes both physical security and cyber-security, integrated to all functional aspects of the grid.