Could Sensus decision help make IBM the smart grid security standard?

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Quick Take: Sometimes standards are dictated by standards bodies. Sometimes they arrive when the market chooses a favorite. Sensus has decided to license security technology from IBM. Is this an early sign that IBM's security will become a defacto standard? Please leave your comments at the bottom of the page.– By Jesse Berst

Sensus announced today that it will integrate encryption and key management technologies from IBM into its FlexNetâ„¢ advanced metering infrastructure, a step that Sensus says will not only enhance its existing security capabilities, but will also help advance data security as a critical element of the smart grid.

"We have to look at security as a moving target," said Matt Zafuto, VP of strategic alliances for Sensus. "In the same way that we continually update a personal computer against new viruses, we have to be constantly vigilant of new threats against critical infrastructures, such as utility networks."

Specifically, Sensus will integrate IBM's asymmetric encryption and enhanced key management technologies into the FlexNet™ communications system for electric, gas and water utility smart endpoints, including meters and distribution automation devices. It will use the IBM Tivoli® Key Lifecycle Manager (TKLM) software to centralize and automate the encryption key management process for all of its network deployments.

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