Smart Grid System Security

Smart Grid System Security
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Table of Contents
 TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u  HYPERLINK \l "_Toc338019656"
Executive summary  PAGEREF _Toc338019656 \h
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1.0 Introduction  PAGEREF _Toc338019657 \h
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2.0 Values of a smart grid  PAGEREF _Toc338019658 \h
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3.0 Principle advantages of any smart grid  PAGEREF _Toc338019659 \h
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4.0 Features of smart grid system  PAGEREF _Toc338019660 \h
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4.1 Meters (Smart Meters)  PAGEREF _Toc338019661 \h
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4.2 Technology  PAGEREF _Toc338019662 \h
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4.3 Stability  PAGEREF _Toc338019663 \h
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4.4 Integration  PAGEREF _Toc338019664 \h
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4.5 Infrastructure  PAGEREF _Toc338019665 \h
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5.0 The security of a smart grid  PAGEREF _Toc338019666 \h
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6.0 Common challenges in security  PAGEREF _Toc338019667 \h
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7.0 Internet Protocol for Smart Grids  PAGEREF _Toc338019668 \h
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8.0 Conclusion  PAGEREF _Toc338019669 \h
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References  PAGEREF _Toc338019670 \h
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Executive summary
The definition of a smart grid system may differ when it comes to the scale and the features. The single most unifying character of the smart grid system though, is its ability to self-adapt and regulate by balancing the quantity of demanded power to the amount supplied. The system collects data in real time that helps assess demand and supply quotients. These data could be about patterns of say consumers in a given area (American national standards institute, 2012). To improve on efficiency and service delivery in the most economical and sustainable manner, companies that handle utilities that affect vast geographical and demographic elements use smart grids to boost efficiency.
The smart grids concept is based on values that are set off by the need for a sustainable power supply to the economy. The consumer gets access to reliable power based on the demand created, while the producing utility balances out the created demand, without the risk of system instability (Smart grid news, 2012). To function, the grid has the infrastructure such as the Advanced Metering that is automated to collect and relay data on power usage, from which demand and supply values are derived.
Security, which is the main idea, addressed in this paper, is paramount for such a system to remain stable and reliable. Due to the sensitivity of the services provided by the smart grid systems, they are prone to attack by hackers who try to sabotage or control the sys...