Security of wireless sensor network (WSN) in smart grid

A smart grid is a well-thought-out smart network of meta-systems and subsystems that aims at improving the efficiency the traditional power grid and at ensuring reliable energy delivery. To achieve its goals, a smart grid requires a two-way communication between the utility provider and the end user. One way to achive that is by incorporating the wireless sensor network (WSN) technology into smart grids. A WSN-based smart grid network can bridges virtual and the physical worlds by exploiting the sensing and computing capabilities of smart meters. In particular, a WSN based smart grid comprises numerous small sensing nodes that can sense, read variables from their ambiance, and wirelessly report the readings to each other. Because of cost constraints and miniaturization requirements, these nodes have limitations in terms of available power and computational resources. The resulting resource scarcity imposes new challenges in terms of network and data security, that need to be thoroughly addressed. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to present the current security challenges and attack vectors on WSNs in smart grids and to analyze the existing security solutions.