Grant: Engage Grants Program

Over the last few years, the traditional electric grid has been fitted with a new technology called the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) to form an integral part of the ""smart grid"". Main components of this technology are the smart meters, the collector nodes and the wireless communication networks that collectively allow utility providers to remotely monitor, manage and provision energy consumption. However, with the widespread installation of AMI systems, there have been many concerns about the vulnerability of these systems as they are directly connected to the internal systems of the utility companies, making them easy entry points for hackers that want to target utility companies. Moreover, all the smart meters within these systems are installed on the consumer's premise, exposing them to various attacks. The main goal of the project is to work closely with Veridian Connections to highlight potential vulnerabilities of the smart meter, collector nodes and the communication network within the AMI of the smart grid network which can jeopardize the operation of the smart grid system. Veridian Connections is one of the utility companies that has been at the fore-front of the AMI, and has already retrofitted 99% of its distribution network with smart meters. Recognizing these vulnerabilities will help Veridian Connections identify the security mechanisms needed to improve the security posture of their AMI systems.