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A Qualitative Risk Analysis of Smart Grid Security Protocols

Authors:
Mustafa Saed
Kevin Daimi
Nizar Al Holou

Keywords: Risk Analysis; Communication Protocols; Smart Meters; Smart Grid; Risk Matrix

Abstract:
Recently, smart grids have been attracting enormous interest as the Internet continues to rapidly expand. A smart grid embeds Information Technology (IT) in its transmission networks to become two-way communications. This was achieved by installing dedicated devices, such as a smart meters and related software. A smart grid provides efficient usage of electric power and energy-saving that is passed down to the consumer. Furthermore, in a smart meter, which is as essential component of a smart grid, an individual's behavior can be indirectly understood, for example, by examining the utilization status of electric power at homes. However, such handling of a smart meter is problematic in terms of privacy protection and other security concerns. To this end, this paper performs a risk analysis of a number of proposed security protocols for smart meters in smart grid networks. In this analysis, four different vulnerability types are identified. These vulnerabilities are augmented by four types of attackers and seven types of attacks that exploit those them. After assessing the likelihood and impact levels for all the different combinations of vulnerabilities, attacks and attackers, a risk matrix for various risk levels is exploited. Overall findings include nine low risks, six medium risks, and three high risks in some of the proposed security protocols for smart meters in smart grid networks. Finally, appropriate mitigation techniques for different risks are suggested.

Pages: 57 to 66

Copyright: Copyright (c) IARIA, 2018

Publication date: May 20, 2018

Published in: conference

ISSN: 2308-412X

ISBN: 978-1-61208-635-4

Location: Nice, France

Dates: from May 20, 2018 to May 24, 2018