Powerful IEDs, ethernet networks and their effects on IEC 61850-based electric power utilities security

Abstract

Smart Electric Power Utilities, this paper provides an overview of cyber security issues and their effects on the modern power communication system that is based on the IEC 61850 Standard. In addition, a summary of IEC 61850 and its data structures is also presented. This paper discusses and examines some of the security measures and algorithms that are used as a defence mechanism against cyber threats targeted at critical infrastructure control and its protection functions. The impact of authentication either by cipher blocks or hashing on GOOSE and SVM performance was also examined. A minimal impact on the performance constraints of GOOSE and SVM messages was observed, but this finding is inconclusive as the study was carried out on desktop computers mimicking IEDs. To confirm the findings similar studies must be carried out on IEDs or embedded devices such as the ones employed in a real substation.