Testimonials

Securing the Smart Grid and Extending its Lifecycle

InfoGard offers validation of Smart Grid and AMI component cryptographic modules and device physical security.

Extending Smart Grid / AMI Deployments

The deployment of Smart Grid technologies such as AMI provides clear benefits while introducing potential risks. Security experts and the Federal government (including NIST, DHS, DOE, and FERC) have issued risk warnings regarding national security and consumer personal information related to the deployment of Smart Grid technologies. Further concerns are expressed in the Obama administration’s 60-Day Cyberspace Policy Review, which urges the Federal government to require strong security standards to guard against large-scale Smart Grid cyber and physical attacks.

Until security standards and regulations are officially adopted, there is a significant risk that Smart Grid and AMI equipment purchased and deployed in the interim will be non-conformant, resulting in a decrease in the useful life of the equipment. A reasonable approach to increase the useful life of Smart Grid and AMI equipment is to ensure that it conforms to current best practice security standards that will serve as the foundation for future Smart Grid and AMI standards and regulations. 

Many of the proposed security requirements are based on existing NIST standards and requirements, including Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) and the SP-800 Special Publication series. Companies currently procuring Smart Grid components could extend the fielded life of this equipment by specifying compliance with these NIST standards and requirements.

InfoGard is the premier NIST accredited security validation laboratory. We offer consulting and evaluation services to assist in the design, certification, selection, and deployment of Smart Grid and AMI components.

Smart Grid / AMI Physical Security

Although final requirements for physical security have not yet been released, draft documents provide references to relevant NIST and DHS standards that can be looked for best practice guidance. Designing, manufacturing, and deploying Smart Grid and AMI equipment that conforms with acknowledged best practice will assist with the overall effort to secure the Smart Grid and could extend the fielded life of equipment.

InfoGard has acquired extensive physical security experience performing FIPS 140-2 validations as well as developing test and evaluation processes for secure devices used in the financial industry, including Hardware Security Modules (HSM) and payment terminals. Whether you are interested in gaining Government certified validation of your cryptography, certification of your entire module, or need design consulting for physical security, InfoGard can assist you.

Please contact us at smartgrid@infogard.com to find out how we can help you.