The proposed smart grid infrastructure aims to make use of the existing public networks such as internet for data communication between consumer premises to the public power utility network. The smart-grid adopts smart-meters which basically collect vast amount of data to provide a holistic view of the connected load behavior and preferences pattern related to power and water consumption. The smart-grids provide benefits to the utilities and consumers alike. For utilities the benefits are real time data collection, ease of power management, and reduced personnel requirement. The benefits for the users on the other hand include availability of real time usage data, providing information on ways to minimize power consumption, monetary savings and so on.
Since, the smart-grid uses existing public networks the utilities do not have the burden of installing any new infrastructure (except for installing the smart-meters), thus an added advantage. But, the downside of using the public network is susceptibility to a variety of network attacks, if not guarded well against. This paper talks about the various network security vulnerabilities that exist and the measures to patch the same before employing in the smart grid networks.
Enhancing The Privacy of Smart-Grid Infrastructure – A Network Security Perspective
