Adapting PKI for the smart grid

The Smart Grid is an update to the current power grid infrastructure, which is becoming outdated. Incorporating information systems into the traditional power grid allows the system to make smart decisions about the state of the power grid and dynamically alter the flow of electricity to meet changing needs and conditions. However, this new infrastructure presents cyber security risks that must be mitigated in such an essential system. Many information systems use a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to solve this problem, but the unique requirements of the electrical power grid don´t fit well into an existing PKI solution. This paper will review those requirements and evaluate current PKI trust models, recommending adaptations toward a Smart Grid PKI that will meet the Smart Grid cyber security needs.