ENISA has published a new report on ‘Communication network interdependencies in smart grids’. Smart grids are a fundamental component of the European critical infrastructure but they provide an increased attack surface for criminals.
To protect networks and devices from cyber threats, the Enisa study focuses on the evaluation of interdependencies to determine their importance, risks, mitigation factors and possible security measures.
Smart grid risks have recently grown in importance due to the possibility that cascading failures could result from an attack, since smart grid communication networks are no longer limited by physical or geographical barriers.
The recommendations of the report include:
- Foster intercommunication protocol compatibility between devices originating from different manufacturers and vendors;
- Develop a set of minimum security requirements to be applied in all communication interdependencies in smart grids;
- Implement security measures on all devices and protocols that are part, or make use of the smart grid communication network.
