Communication network interdependencies in smart grids

Smart grids can be described as a new generation of smart power networks that integrate actions coming from all connected end-users. This infrastructure provides bidirectional communications between end-users and the grid operator, and therefore extends the attack surface against the power system. However, one point that has been constantly overlooked and has not received the attention it deserves concerns the interdependencies and communications between all the assets that make up the new power grids. These interdependencies in communications are a fundamental pillar, as they represent the means by which all devices communicate within the smart grid network. Information transmitted through these intercommunications contains not only customer and consumption data; but also status checks, instructions to execute, orders for devices to redirect power flow, etc. Therefore, their protection is essential to protect the privacy of the customers and prevent attacks which could cause blackouts, power overloads, device malfunctions, data tampering, or even catastrophic cascading effects that could bring down the power grid itself in more than one country. For this purpose, this study focuses on the evaluation of these interdependencies, and their architectures and connections in order to determine their importance, threats, risks, mitigation factors and possible security measures to implement. To obtain this information, experts in the fields and areas related directly with smart grids were contacted to gather their know-how and expertise