Cyber Security – Securing electrical power transmission and distribution systems

Abstract

Building a secure architecture in the devices and systems used in the power automation system in parallel with supporting power automation protocols is key for the improvement of operational efficiency and reliability of electrical power system network. Creation of effective cyber secure architecture is addressed with specific focus on power transmission and distribution automation solutions and systems. Paper provides practices and methods for adoption. Key advantages of proposed methods, practices and techniques include (i) robustness to withstand cyber-attacks, (ii) resilient to be able to recover in the adverse situation of unwanted/unexpected compromise to security and (iii) continuation of core functionality of the device/system while attack is still ongoing. This is achieved by adopting a defense-indepth strategy across different aspects from product design to having a dedicated security test center, and secure system architecture.