Building an Effective Security Program for Distributed Energy Resources and Systems. Mariana Hentea
in ensuring the effective operation of the Smart Grid is documented in legislation and in the DOE energy sector plans (e.g. [DOE 2011]).
Securing the grid is one pillar of the framework set forth in the policy of Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and the Recovery Act of the Federal Government [EISA 2007] states:
It is the policy of the United States to support the modernization of the Nation's electricity transmission and distribution system to maintain a reliable and secure electricity infrastructure that can meet future demand growth and to achieve each of the following, which together characterize a Smart Grid:
1 Increased use of digital information and controls technology to improve reliability, security, and efficiency of the electric grid
2 Dynamic optimization of grid operations and resources, with full cybersecurity.
Security of grid implies safety and protection of assets, organization, consumers, and public from threats (intentional and unintentional) including natural disasters. Cybersecurity for the Smart Grid needs to support both the reliability of the grid and the security (and privacy) of the information that is generated, processed, transmitted, stored, or disposed. Defined in broad terms, cybersecurity for the power industry covers all issues involving automation and communications that affect the operation of electric power systems, the functioning of the utilities that manage them, and the business processes that support the customer base [NISTIR 7628r1].
2.6.1 Need for Cybersecurity Solutions
Cybersecurity solutions for energy infrastructure are imperative for reliable energy delivery. While reliability remains a fundamental principle of grid modernization efforts, reliability requires cybersecurity [Hawk 2014], [P2030 2011]. As the need for cybersecurity increases, this work [Hawk 2014] discusses energy sector partnerships that are designing cybersecurity for the Smart Grid with the vision of surviving a cyber incident while sustaining critical energy delivery functions.
A recently released document [DOE 2014b] provides guidance and requirements for cybersecurity features for the supply chain vendors and manufacturers of equipment, devices, and software used in power systems. Also, NIST's three‐volume document [NISTIR 7628r1] provides guidance to organizations for cybersecurity and privacy strategies, architecture, requirements, supportive analyses, and references.
Ensuring a resilient electric grid is particularly important since it is arguably the most complex and critical infrastructure that other sectors depend upon to deliver essential services. Figure 2.14 is a schematic representation of electricity sector interdependencies with other sectors of the economy. Each infrastructure depends on other infrastructures to function successfully. The potential impact of the increasing threats in the electricity sector is amplified by the connectivity between information systems, the Internet, and other infrastructures, creating opportunities for attackers to disrupt the electricity sector and other critical services such as banks, government, transportation, etc. [GAO 2012].
Figure 2.14 Interdependencies across the economy.
Source: [DHS 2010]. Public Domain.
Over the past two decades, the roles of the electricity sector stakeholders have shifted: generation, transmission, and delivery functions have been separated into distinct markets; customers have become generators using distributed generation technologies; and vendors have assumed new responsibilities to provide advanced technologies and improve security. These changes have created new responsibilities for all stakeholders in ensuring the continued security and resilience of the electric power grid.
2.6.2 The US Plans
In the United States, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) defines polices for Smart Grid cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is briefly understood as encompassing measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the electronic information communication systems and the control systems necessary for the management, operation, and protection of the Smart Grid's energy, IT, and telecommunication infrastructures [FERC 2009]. DOE supports the administration's strategic comprehensive approach to cybersecurity for the power grid. Also, DOE works closely with the DHS, industry, and other government agencies on an ongoing basis to reduce the risk of energy disruptions due to cyber attacks.
The DOE envisions a robust, resilient energy infrastructure in which continuity of business and services is maintained through secure and reliable information sharing, effective risk management programs, coordinated response capabilities, and trusted relationships between public and private security partners at all levels of industry and government [DOE 2010]. While the DOE cybersecurity roadmap provides a foundation for the development and adoption of interoperability and cybersecurity standards, the updated roadmap of 2011 [DOE 2011] goes on to recognize the advances in cybersecurity and other technology including the evolving needs of the energy sector such as the following:
Providing a broader focus on energy delivery systems, including control systems, Smart Grid technologies, and the interface of cyber and physical security – where physical access to system components can impact cybersecurity.
Building on successes and addressing gaps require new priorities to be identified such as enhancing vulnerability disclosure between government, researchers, and industry; addressing gaps to further advance technologies.
Advancing threat capabilities by implementing enhanced security capabilities to protect energy delivery systems against threats that are becoming increasingly innovative, complex, and sophisticated.
Emphasizing a culture of security that includes training people for developing and implementing the best available security policies, procedures, and technologies tailored to the energy delivery systems operational environment.
In its broadest sense, cybersecurity for the power industry covers all issues involving automation and communications that affect the operation of electric power systems, the functioning of the utilities that manage them, and the business processes that support the customer base.
Actions to develop the Smart Grid architecture include the coordinated advancement of standards across the electric power system, including device characteristics, communication requirements, security, and other system aspects [DOE 2015a].
Implementation of cybersecurity can occur through a variety of mechanisms, including use of standards and recommendations, enforcement of regulations, and voluntary compliance in response to business incentives. The energy sector, specifically electrical sector organizations, can use several mechanisms for designing and implementation of security and protection of energy systems. In addition, utilities, vendors, consultants, national laboratories, higher education institutions, governmental entities, and other organizations continuously contribute and participate in the standards and guidance of the electricity sector.
Also, energy systems and networks cross the national borders, making international collaboration a necessary component of the sector's efforts to develop standards to secure the energy infrastructure.
2.7 The Need for Security and Privacy Programs
A global survey was conducted on security governance, specifically on how boards of directors and senior management are governing the security of their organizations' information, applications, and networks. The survey respondents included 75% participants from critical infrastructure companies and represented [Westby 2012]:
Energy and utilities companies.
Financial sector.
Healthcare.
Industrials.