Peter Fuhr, a Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), got the idea to use a continually shifting colour palette to ward off cyberattacks on the nation’s critical electric grid infrastructure from the fascinating psychological phenomena known as synesthesia. Grid management software language was encrypted into colours using the idea of synesthesia, where people perceive one sense via another.
The Leader of ORNL’s Grid Communications and Security group Utilities employed computers for real-time data analysis and equipment control. These systems communicate with the hardware using strings of letters. Fuhr’s technique converted these alphabetic characters into colour schemes represented by bars, wheels, or swirls. Other visual elements, such as pointillist paintings or video frames, mask the colour compositions. Following the Fibonacci Sequence, the decoding key constantly evolves in response to new sensor readings.
According to Fuhr, several private companies have already indicated they are interested in licencing this novel technique. The idea was tested in the field for six months when a safe connection was established between ORNL and the public utility. Then, the encoded colours were transferred among the video cameras at EPB’s electricity substations employing the communication links between the devices.
Fuhr noted that this strategy adds a layer of complexity for attackers because the colour-coded information does not transit through the information technology (IT) network or the operating network. In addition, the colour-coded data is only shown for a brief period, which makes it subliminal to the conscious mind.
An adversary would have to find the colour bar, be familiar with the equipment’s protocol language and the sensor’s IP address, and correctly guess the correct colour-letter combination at the appropriate position in the Fibonacci sequence to break the colour code.
Because tampering with equipment at a substation from a remote location can quickly destabilise the power supply, such layered defences are necessary for utilities. However, concerns have been raised because of the rising number of attacks and suspicious activity reports at nationwide substations. The situation has prompted utilities and elected authorities to prioritise implementing cybersecurity measures.
Utilities need a toolbox filled with various methods for ensuring their networks are secure. Fuhr’s innovation could be used with several other security coding techniques regardless of the mode of communication. Fuhr’s approach can improve utilities’ data security, making it extremely difficult for interceptors to access the information and increasing the level of data protection.
As the power grid becomes more networked and digitalised, cybersecurity in the context of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and the smart grid is becoming increasingly important. As the number of electric cars (EVs) on American roads continues to rise, charging stations have sprung up around the U.S.
In the Vehicle Technologies Office of the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, located at Argonne National Laboratory, scientists have designed a foolproof system for intelligent charging. The project is a four-year, US$5 million joint effort between Argonne and the largest electricity provider in the country.
Intelligent charging systems link to the power grid and take energy when demand is low, then give it back when needed. Electric vehicles (EVs) can help maintain grid stability and be charged on demand thanks to computer networks.
Smart charging stations should give more than just a cluster of plugs and cables. Instead, wireless networking, hard drives, and input devices are standard in these stations. As a result, they need to be shielded from online assaults. Due to the possibility of cyberattacks, Internet-connected vehicle chargers need to implement the same safety measures as other Internet-connected devices.