Brussels, 31/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - ENISA says it is crucial that cyber-threats to smart grids are assessed to ensure that energy systems are able to provide continuous power.
Smart grids are complex systems within systems that store, transport and manage energy from generation to the consumer. Since energy is so vital to the economy, smart grids are critical infrastructure and by combining energy with information systems, smart grids are critical and have to operate safely and respect users' personal data, explains the agency responsible for grid safety and information in a report published on 30 January.
ENISA lists cyber threats to smart grids, along with the various approaches and best practice on cyber-security and protection, identifying internal threats (mistakes and attacks) affecting smart grid IT systems.
ENISA says external and internal cyber threats need to be assessed and grid components (electrical equipment like cables, switches, routers, captors, data and running system software) that are exposed to them classified. It recommends making use of best practice once the desired level of protection has been determined. Specific cyber threats to smart grids should be listed, like pirating, tapping, interception (leaks of information, interception of electromagnetic frequencies, radio attacks, system breakdown and system attacks and physical attacks) and the people and bodies responsible for the threats (companies, criminals, hackers, countries, natural disasters, terrorism and new cyber combatants). ENISA recommends that smart grid owners assess the risks and vulnerability of their own grids. (EH/transl.fl)