By Matthias H. van Doorn

As the need for reliable, real-time data communication in mission-critical SCADA systems continues to increase, electric power utilities are looking for new and better ways to improve the reliability and security of their communication infrastructure.

The evolution of cyberspace has also made it both more attractive and more vulnerable to exploitation. There has been an increase in attacks, stealing, corruption, harm and destruction to our systems.

A class of wireless data transmission radios exists that is proven to be both cost-effective and secure. These long-range radios offer a high throughput, both upstream and downstream. As far as communication technologies, distribution automation is a time-sensitive application. A lot of the equipment requires very low latency – meaning the time it takes for control signals or packets to travel across the link and cause the intended action. These wireless radios especially have high throughput and very fast latency – so they are more suitable for automation for SCADA applications.

Threats on the smart grid today

Two of the most common security threats to the smart grid today are Denial of Service (DoS) and intrusion.

DoS is an attempt to make a computer resource or network unavailable to its intended users. DoS could be as simple as jamming an electric or electromagnetic signal or as sophisticated as saturating a system or network with communication and data traffic intended to overwhelm and avoid legitimate data to get through and be processed.

Penetrating and intruding into a network or computer resource requires a different level of sophistication. Consequences can range from simply spying or stealing information to corrupting data or maliciously and intentionally causing harm or destruction by taking over network and/or computers and control systems.

Wired vs wireless

Unlike traditional wire-line data communication, which typically uses copper or fiber-optic cable between communication endpoints, wireless data communication is based on electromagnetic waves using radio frequencies (RF) propagating through open space, literally the air. This gives wireless some unique advantages, as communication endpoints don’t need to be tied down to a fixed location and dependent upon a physical cable. In addition, running cable, conduit or even digging trenches can be a time-consuming, expensive and sometimes dangerous proposition.

The flexibility of wireless data communication comes at a price though. Electromagnetic waves are non-discriminatory when it comes to access. A wired connection requires physical access to the cable. Wireless connections can be made anywhere along the path on which the electromagnetic waves propagate. Consequently, security (as in secure access) becomes much more important for wireless data communication.

Wireless resiliency

The electric grid has been recognized as a prime strategic target for attacks since back in World War II, when allied bombing raids on power plants, substations and electric transmission lines attempted to reduce the industrial capacity and output of the enemy by depriving them of the much-needed electricity to run those factories.

In 1941 Hedy Lamarr, an Austria-born actress, together with George Antheil, co-patented a “secret communication system” where coordinated, rapid changes in radio frequencies “hop” in the radio spectrum, thus evading detection and the potential of interference.

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Lamar’s idea was ahead of its time and not implemented in the U.S. until 1962. It is now the basis for modern Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) wireless communication systems. FHSS wireless systems are very resilient when it comes to impairments such as interference (deliberate or coincidental) and “jamming,” making DoS attacks on FHSS systems difficult if not completely impossible.

However, a resilient wireless system needs more than a rugged transmission system. Access control is one of the most important security features to prevent unauthorized access and intrusion. It is the equivalent of the security guard at the main door of an office building who makes sure only people with the correct badge can enter. In addition, encryption provides an extra layer of protection and maintains the privacy of the actual data between the sender and recipient. These are just a few basic features that can help with creating a resilient wireless data communication system for critical infrastructure.

Any chain is only as strong as its weakest link. If we don’t start building and properly implementing adequate protections for our wireless data communication networks, (especially for our critical infrastructure, with the goal of making them more resilient) malicious hackers will keep exploiting, attacking and ultimately destroying our way of life.

Matthias van Doorn is the product manager for ethernet and licensed radio systems at FreeWave Technologies Inc. He has more than 15 years experience in the telecommunications industry and previously has worked for CalAmp Corp., ADC Telecommunications, Digi International and Siemens.

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