A New Key Management Scheme Based on Smart Grid Requirements

Smart grid (SG) comprises a set of technologies that uses sensing, embedded processing and digital communications to intelligently control and monitor an electricity grid with improved reliability, security, and efficiency. However, its reliance on traditional IT principles presents a new attack vector for security threats and vulnerabilities. Key management is a fundamental requirement for security implementation in SG. However, it is not practical to design a single key management scheme/framework for all systems, parties and segments in the SG, since it is necessary to consider the security requirements of various sub-systems in the SG and design the security for the specific sub-system. In this paper, we propose a new cryptographic key management scheme that takes into account the different security and performance requirements. We address two specific sub-systems categorized by the network connectivity – the Home Area Network (HAN) and the Neighborhood Area Network (NAN). The schemes provides secure communication and are shown to be resilient to attack types that are classified as Denial-of-Service, Man-in-the-middle, Replay and Sybil attacks by a security analysis. Attack detection on individual devices to take reactive action is work in progress. Key-Words: Smart grid, Security in smart grid, Key Management; Sybil Attack