International Journal on Recent and Innovation Trends in Computing and Communication ISSN: 2321-8169 Volume: 3 Issue: 5 2503 - 2507 _______________________________________________________________________________________________ 2503 IJRITCC | May 2015, Available @ http://www.ijritcc.org _______________________________________________________________________________________ A Survey on Cyber Security for Smart Grid Networks Yuvaraj S. Patil Ph.D. student, Electronics, Engineering, Department of Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India yuvaraj.pat@gmail.com Dr. Mrs. Swati V. Sankpal Associate Professor, Department of Electronics Engineering, D Y Patil College of Engineering and Technology, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India sankpal16@yahoo.com Abstract—Smart grid is a electrical grid in which power generation units, transmission units, distribution units and electricity consumers are connected using advanced communication and information technologies. It is a new form of next generation power grid. Most of the countries across the globe are transforming their existing electrical grids to smart grid and hence smart grid technology is progressing worldwide. Smart grid provides a bi-directional flow of electricity and information from generation to transmission to distribution and hence more exposed to attacks. Many advanced communication technologies have been identified for smart grid usages. A secure communication infrastructure is a critical component of smart grid systems. Success of smart grids highly depends on secure communication network. Thus cyber security of smart grid networks is very important. In this paper, we summarize the cyber security threats, possible vulnerabilities and existing standards and solutions available for cyber security in smart grids networks based on the available reference material. Keywords- Smart Grid, Communication Networks, Advanced Metering Infrastructure, Cyber Security, Reliability, Vulnerabilities __________________________________________________*****_________________________________________________ I. INTRODUCTION Smart grid refers to advanced electrical grid which uses advanced communication and information infrastructures and provides more secure and reliable electrical energy. The aim of converting the existing electrical grids into smart grids is to provide secure, stable, reliable and high- quality electricity in an environmentally friendly way. This is achieved through the use of existing and advanced technologies, integration of natural energy sources, demand- response management, monitoring and control [2]. The demand for electric energy is growing day by day due to increasing population [3] and hence there is strong need of smart grids to make optimal utilization of available energy sources. In smart grid networks, intelligent devices like smart meters are installed at consumer facilities and these devices are monitored, controlled and optimized from a centralized control center. Such an infrastructure offers great benefits like increased reliability, efficiency, transparency, reduced cost [4] [5]. Smart grids uses bi-directional communication networks for transmission of energy and information and hence provides real-time information and achieves balance of demand and supply of electrical energy [5]. As smart grids heavily uses intelligent devices and communication infrastructure, the success of smart grids depends on dependability on such devices and secure communication infrastructure. Smart grid systems could lead to unreliable operations, instability, damage to infrastructure and devices if proper cyber security mechanism are not used [6] [7]. Hence cyber security for smart grid systems is becoming more important. As the smart grid systems are becoming more and more complex due to heavy usage of communication networks and information technology, these systems are becoming more vulnerable to cyber-attacks and cyber security is becoming a major concern [3]. As part of cyber security preventive measures, it needs to prevent unauthorized usage and access to communication networks and information contained therein, prevent damages to devices and infrastructure to ensure reliability, availability, data integrity and confidentiality. It also needs to restore the information and communication systems in case of equipment failure due to malfunctioning, user errors, attacks and natural disasters. Secure smart grid systems helps consumers to manage their electricity usage efficiently. Smart grid systems will have a strong positive impact on economy and efficient utilization of natural resources. Hence cyber security for smart grid systems is of much importance because of the essential nature of electricity in day to day life. II. SMART GRID CONCEPT AND ITS BENEFITS Smart grid uses advanced technologies and equipments to control and monitor its information and components. It uses bi- directional communication to transfer information and data across all its layers. Due to usage of advanced sensors, smart devices and powerful computing capabilities, it provides the real-time information. As the real time information is available at the centralized control centers, it helps to balance the demand of electricity with supply. Energy from the various renewable energy resources like water, wind, solar energy is used to meet the increased demand of electricity. At the same time, end users of electricity will have real time data of their electricity usage and billing information. It will help the end user to better manage their electricity consumption and usage. A. Conceptual Model of a Smart Grid Smart grid heavily uses communication and information infrastructure across all the layers. Hence communication and information infrastructure plays an important role in smart grids. Figure 1 provides a conceptual general model of a smart grid system [6] [10] [24]. The diagram is a simplified version of a complex smart grid system. It consists of various domains like generation, transmission, distribution and end customers.