Page 43 - Cyber Defense eMagazine for September 2020

● Substations, switchyards and generator protection relays can remotely communicate with one
another through the Generic Object Oriented Substation Event (GOOSE) network enabling super
high-speed data collection, command and control. The IEC 16850 protocol mandates that all
OEMs use GOOSE. Because the protocol requires a high encryption speed of less than 4
milliseconds for protective relaying, GOOSE is vulnerable to cyberattacks.

● Encrypted Grid’s technology is able to seamlessly convert and encrypt hundreds of access points
in every power plant, including multiple protocols from GOOSE, turbine generator control
systems, SCADA and DCS all on the same network.

In November 2019, Encrypted Grid began testing its encryption in lab environments. In July 2020, this
testing was extended throughout the United States. The algorithms have been tested by highly advanced
mathematicians at the Ph.D. and doctoral levels, who have validated them for strength and legitimacy. In
multiple tests performed, Encrypted Grid successfully demonstrated the ability to encrypt data fast
enough to not interfere with command and control systems. This is using our prototype system that
currently has a latency of less than 0.06 milliseconds.

In June 2020, Encrypted Grid demonstrated its hardware to Casco Systems in Cumberland, Maine.

“I was skeptical when first introduced to the Encrypted Grid hardware,” said Casco Systems president,
Kevin Mahoney, PE. “I didn’t believe that you could encrypt high speed communications in under 2
milliseconds from end to end, without adversely impacting system performance. This speed is necessary
for protective relays and control systems used in power generation and transmission. When Encrypted
Grid demonstrated reliable encryption and transmission of IEC 61850 GOOSE messages in under 1
millisecond, I became convinced that a solution is here.”

“I’ve been in controls and protection for over 30 years and am amazed how efficiently this encryption
technology works,” added Mahoney. “I finally have hope that we can secure the grid from cyberattacks.”

Securing America’s power grid from foreign adversaries and cybercriminal groups cannot depend on
vulnerable software programs and operating systems. The solution lies in a hardware-based device with
extremely high encryption speeds, which until now has not been commercially available. The solution is
encryption in 0.06 milliseconds, and I believe it’s here.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – September 2020 Edition 43
Copyright © 2020, Cyber Defense Magazine. All rights reserved worldwide.