The Sensus FlexNet 2.2 Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) communications system has achieved the smart grid industry’s first Achilles security certification, an internationally recognized cyber security accreditation from Wurldtech Security Technologies, a leading provider of security products and services for the industrial automation industry.
The testing validates that an end-to-end FlexNet AMI system, comprised of ten components and all intercomponent communication, demonstrates strong security architecture in addition to proving its overall resilience against intrusion or other security breaches. Components tested and certified include the Regional Network Interface headend, Tower Gateway Basestation relays, field tools, endpoints and the information streams between the software and hardware components.
“The Achilles certification is internationally respected as the standard for security in industrial applications, and for Sensus to be the first certified AMI vendor in the smart grid ecosystem is a noteworthy accomplishment,” said Tyler Williams, president and CEO of Wurldtech Security Technologies. “By embracing the challenge of applying this rigorous testing process to the FlexNet system, Sensus is defining a new standard for smart grid security.”
The FlexNet network adheres to open standards and communicates via a primary use, FCC-licensed spectrum. During the six-month certification process, the technology underwent a battery of rigorous tests to identify and eliminate vulnerabilities.
“Sensus has again demonstrated its leadership position by reshaping the public perception of Smart Grid security with this first-ever AMI Achilles certification,” said Peter Mainz, president and CEO of Sensus. “Our utility customers recognize that independently verified and repeatable assurances of security are critical for defining a reliable standard of security for the entire smart grid industry.”
Sensus also is pursuing the Achilles practices certification, which validates that a vendor employs a specific set of security best practices for all processes related to the development and implementation of its products.
Developed in 2007 after more than two years of research, the Wurldtech Achilles certification program is a rigorous security- and robustness-testing program designed to provide industrial automation stakeholders a security benchmark for people, processes and technologies. The Achilles certification testing methodology already is adopted in mission-critical industries including oil, nuclear energy and aerospace engineering.
For more information on the FlexNet system, visit www.sensus.com. To review the results of the FlexNet system security testing, visit www.wurldtech.com.
Source: Sensus
