Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) networks typically cover large portions of a utility’s service territory, mostly without the protection of locked doors and identification badges (some of the most visible and basic layers of security for any system). Because of a deployment’s tendency to span wide and diverse geography, as well as including devices up to and inside of a customer premise, AMI networks are exposed to an array of potential security risks.

The motivations for attacking a utility network or advanced metering system are equally diverse:

• Profit
• Revenge
• War
• Ego
• Secrecy
• Curiosity
• Activism

Individual attackers have different motivations, with variances in type and severity of attack.  Types of attacks can include destroying or disclosing data, blocking or hijacking a service, or tampering with data, equipment, or software. Generally, attacks fall into one of four categories:

• Disclosure – Unauthorized access to information
• Deception – Acceptance of false data
• Disruption – Interruption or prevention of correct information
• Usurpation – Unauthorized control of some part of the system

It’s important to note that improvements in security to the overall energy grid proposed and implemented through the impending Smart Grid far exceed anything in place today. As well, security of advanced metering and Smart Grid networks is very much something that Itron and the utility industry has taken, and will continue to take, seriously.

OpenWay^® by Itron, our AMI solution that utilizes smart electricity meters and two-way communication networks between the utility and each meter, has been architected to make an attack unproductive, unappealing, unprofitable, and traceable. In securing OpenWay, Itron has worked closely with leading security providers such as Certicom and Industrial Defender to take advantage of the best the security industry has to offer.

Additionally, Itron is well engaged with both government agencies and the utility industry in designing and providing standards-based security solutions. Itron believes that technologies and standards do exist today to support secure deployment of advanced metering. These technologies and standards will, necessarily, evolve and improve over time as well. With the deteriorated state of our energy infrastructure and increasing dependence on fossil fuels from foreign sources, we cannot wait any longer to begin deploying technology that can reduce energy consumption, peak energy demand, and carbon emissions.