NetAPT and the Electric Grid
As more and more functions of our daily lives move from the real world to the online world, security and privacy remain the major issue. Cyber security is one of the main challenges when it comes to smart infrastructure. The US Department of Energy outlines some measures in the 2014 Smart Grid System Report to mitigate the cyber security challenges. These include guidelines, and frameworks that utilities can follow.
Additionally, the Department of Energy (DOE) requires any recipient of Smart Grid Investment Grants to prepare for cyber threats by developing and appropriate Cyber security plan. The DOE follows up providing guidance on implementation, conducts site visits, and provides two workshops annually. Furthermore, the government is working with the industry to create advanced technology tools that can assist with cyber security practices across the grid. One of these tools is the NetAPT, a tool developed by the University of Illinois.
“Network Access Policy Tool (NetAPT) performs a comprehensive security policy analysis to identify the deviation of implementation from global access policy.”
It allows utilities to determine, in a short span of time, where vulnerabilities are within their system, as well as if the system complies with the global access. With software that can help pinpoint problems/weaknesses, the overall system grows stronger against attacks. Smart Grids can determine where the problems are on their own, but with an attack, this system can be deformed. Using tools that protect smart grids against attacks would lead to an improved, efficient provision of electricity.
https://www.perform.illinois.edu/netapt/
http://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2014/08/f18/SmartGrid-SystemReport2014.pdf
