Security analysis of an advanced metering infrastructure

Abstract

An advanced metering infrastructure is an integrated system of smart meters, communications networks and data management systems designed to support the safe, efficient and reliable distribution of electricity while providing advanced functionality to energy customers. Unfortunately, sophisticated cyber attacks on advanced metering infrastructures are a clear and present danger. The most devastating scenario involves a computer worm that traverses advanced metering infrastructures and permanently disables millions of smart meters.This paper presents a security analysis of an advanced metering infrastructure comprising more than one million smart meters, 100+ data collectors and two meter data management systems. Specifically, it provides detailed evaluations of the attack surface, targets – especially the critical data collectors – and their functionality, and possible attacks and their impacts. The systematic identification of each target and its functionality, and possible attacks and their direct impacts, are essential to understanding the security landscape as well as specifying and prioritizing mitigation efforts as part of a robust risk management program. Although this work is based on an analysis of one large advanced metering infrastructure, strong attempts have been undertaken to extract and articulate the commonalities when describing the attack surface, targets, possible attacks and their impacts. Thus, the results presented in this paper can be used as a foundation upon which the unique aspects of an advanced metering infrastructure can be added to create a robust risk management program geared for the specific deployment.