Page 23 - Cyber Defense eMagazine August 2024

Evolution of Power and Smart Grids

Traditional power system also known as power grids are a one-way system for distribution of electricity
from producers to consumers and are vital for functioning of businesses, society, and government at
large. They are manually controlled with limited capacity for integration with renewable energy. Advance
in technology and digital evolution led to the development of modern versions of the traditional power
system that makes use of digital technologies for monitoring, management, synchronization, and trans-
portation of energy from multiple sources to meet the varying demands of the consumers. These smart
grids, unlike the power grids, are two-way communication systems with automated control and real time
monitoring and allows for easy integration of renewable energy which improves the reliability and effi-
ciency of electrical power systems.

Components of Smart Grids Communication Network

Some of the major components of the smart grid communication network include the following which
allows for seamless two -way communication between utilities and consumers include the following.

Control Center: This is the central hub for monitoring and managing the entire grid. It accepts data from
all other components and sends control signals for grid operation management.
Substation: Transforms high voltage from the transmission network to lower levels suitable for distribu-
tion. Smart grids substations are equipped with sensors and devices that can send data on power quality,
load condition and status of equipment to the control center.
Smart Meter: Smart meter measures and communicates consumption with both consumer and the utility
in real time.

Advanced Metering Infrastructure: It facilitates communications between smart meters and utilities,
and send smart meter data to the control center and other grid components
The components listed above and many more make smart grids a fully digitalized communication network
improve reliability and efficiency of electrical power system. However, the integration of digital technology
in smart grids also introduces new vulnerabilities and cybersecurity threats that must be addressed for
robust operation. Ensuring that power and smarts grids are secured is critical to the existence of busi-
ness, organization, and government as the resultant of these attacks could be catastrophic and life threat-
ening.

Threat landscape in Power and Smart Grids

Malware: These are malicious software designed to disrupt damage and gain access to the system. This
includes trojans, virus, ransomware, and many others. Malware exploits known and zero-day vulnerabil-
ities in software, hardware and network protocols used in power systems and can disable or disrupt
Supervisory control and Data Acquisition systems SCADA, DCS and other operational technologies.

Phishing: This is a form of attack whereby an attacker disguises and attempt to acquire sensitive infor-
mation such as usernames and passwords by posing to be a legitimate entity.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – August 2024 Edition 23
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