Power Grid cyber security: Challenges and impacts

The North American electric power grid is the largest and among most complex systems in the world. The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has gone so far as to call it the “supreme engineering achievement of the 20th century.” It is now aging and faces significant challenges moving into the 21st century. Of particular concern is the growth of “Smart Grid,” a term with multiple definitions, but basically the system of control, computer, communication, and automation technologies that will allow a rapid response to rapidly changing grid conditions. With the added reliance on communications networks comes an added exposure to cyber security threats. This paper provides a number of observations on the current state of Smart Grid cyber security as it pertains to researchers and system operators.