Information security needs for T&D equipment

Summary form only given. The IT and Internet community has been very active in developing information security technology. However, electric utility operational systems such as SCADAs, RTUs, IEDs, etc. have unique operating characteristics that have not been addressed in the design of current security technology. This is due in part to the real time operating systems´ deterministic requirements. There is also a concern that existing IEEE standards could impact the implementation of information security technology. Consequently, the purpose of this presentation is to provide a status of information security technology and needs that relate to T&D systems.