Smart Grid Security by Embedding S-Box Advanced Encryption Standard

Abstract

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems continuously monitor the real-time processes in the smart grid. The system software, which is based on a human-machine interface (HMI), makes intelligent decisions to assist the system operator and perform normal grid management activities. The management of SCADA networks and monitoring without proper security is a major concern, as many grids and plant networks still lack necessary monitoring and detection systems, making them vulnerable to attack. SCADA networks exploit physical weaknesses as well as cyber-attacks. Researchers have developed a monitoring system based on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) and a microcontroller that allows for faster timing and system response. The cryptography-based substitution box (S-box) Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and decryption method were proposed in the research paper, which may be merged with smart grid communication hardware and grid distribution as an integrated chip, synthesized on FPGA-Virtex-5 hardware. The method creates a platform for grid security by implementing a cryptographic-based security algorithm in hardware chips. The algorithm was designed using VHDL coding in Xilinx ISE 14.7 software and tested with various grid data sizes and key. The research represents a significant effort on the part of the businesses looking for solutions to secure the smart grid and plants by incorporating secure hardware.