Utilities focus on negating cybersecurity risks tied to smart meters and grids

As the prevalence of smart meters has grown in recent years, utilities are now grappling with cybersecurity challenges presented by the need to protect large volumes of data.

The potential for security breaches can rise exponentially as more smart meters are implemented into utilities systems. Some of these threats include the reverse engineering of communications that occur between the meter itself and the utilities it’s connected to, a modification of the meter software that produces incorrect energy usage levels, or a complete disconnect from the utility entirely.

Honeywell Home and Building Technologies (HBT) recently teamed up with Worldline, a France-based security solutions company, to provide a comprehensive end-to-end security solution for smart meters and their connections to utilities. The partnership has developed a solution that will allow utilities to use and manage keys and certificates in a performant and scalable manner.

The solution utilizes specific key storage components, known as hardware security modules, for storing keys securely. It also has specific key management software which guarantees secure business operation, using public/private and shared keys in encryption, authentication, digital signing of commands and files, or generating and exchanging keys. Further, the solution includes a public key infrastructure offering, which securely manages certificates.

HBT is a global leader in Internet of Things technology and develops products, software and systems found in more than 150 million homes and 10 million buildings across the globe.