Thales keyAuthority provides trustworthy key management across smart meter network
Plantation, Fla - September 28, 2015 - Thales, leader in critical information systems and cybersecurity, and ADD Grup announce that Thales keyAuthority® is being used to protect the credentials inside smart meters and create a secure system-wide root of trust, protecting consumers, utility companies and the energy supply chain from fraud and cyber-attack.
ADD Grup is implementing Thales keyAuthority to protect and manage the cryptographic keys used to secure data exchange between smart meters, in home displays (IHDs) and the central system, providing a trustworthy and efficient solution for utility customers to manage security throughout their network. The entire supply chain from design to field operation is protected with a high performance, high assurance key management system to secure communication between each layer and that can scale to support future encryption requirements.
Key benefits
- Automates key lifecycle management across all layers of the energy supply chain
- Lowers risk of security breaches with high assurance, reliable hardware designed to FIPS 140-2 level 3
- Centralizes policy using a single approach to control and audit keys
- Dramatically shortens development and implementation with Key Management Interoperability Protocol (KMIP)
Adrian Bulicanu, Software R&D Manager, ADD Grup says:
"Authentication, secure communications and high integrity messaging are core security foundations in the proliferation of connected things and smart devices and this is especially critical in the deployment and management of smart metering solutions as any compromise can have devastating results. Thales keyAuthority allowed us to deploy advanced security measures to our smart meter infrastructure giving customers and consumers peace of mind that their information is not tampered with and that the infrastructure is protected from attack or insertion of rogue devices."
Cindy Provin, president, Thales e-Security Inc., says:
"Many utility companies are now installing smart meters to help customers monitor and manage their power usage and help them be more energy efficient. Unfortunately, with this connectivity brings risks. Poorly protected credentials and data stores inside smart meter devices leaves them vulnerable to tampering, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate energy use figures, cut off the power of specific meters and in sever circumstances even take them over completely. Thales is delighted ADD Grup chose Thales keyAuthority to provide the heightened security required to assure its customers that their data is protected and that the smart metering infrastructure is protected from attack."
Supporting resources:
Case study: www.thales-esecurity.com/knowledge-base/case-studies/add-grup
For industry insight and view on the latest key management trends check out our blog at http://www.thales-esecurity.com/blogs
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About Thales keyAuthority
keyAuthority is a hardened cryptographic appliance that provides high assurance key management to users of storage applications and systems with embedded encryption. keyAuthority supports the widely-accepted industry standard KMIP (Key Management Interoperability Protocol) to allow comprehensive endpoint interoperability. Centralized administration combines consistent key lifecycle policy enforcement and access controls with reliable auditing to help ensure data recovery and long-term business continuity. keyAuthority scales to support millions of keys, and its tamper-resistant and evident security boundary (which includes the entire chassis for higher assurance protection) has been designed to FIPS 140-2 Level 3.
About ADD Grup
ADD GRUP is developer and manufacturer of ADDAX IMS - an interoperable AMI solution using PRIME, G3-PLC open protocols with the application of advanced security measures. ADD GRUP has supplied more than 4 million ADDAX Smart meters to 20 countries. www.addgrup.com
About Thales e-Security
Thales e-Security is a leading global provider of trusted cryptographic solutions with a 40-year track record of protecting the world's most sensitive applications and information. Thales solutions enhance privacy, trusted identities, and secure payments with certified, high performance encryption and digital signature technology for customers in a wide range of markets including financial services, high technology, manufacturing, and government. Thales e-Security has a worldwide support capability, with regional headquarters in the United States, United Kingdom, and Hong Kong. www.thales-esecurity.com
About Thales
Thales is a global technology leader for the Aerospace, Transport, Defence and Security markets. With 61,000 employees in 56 countries, Thales reported sales of €13 billion in 2014. With over 20,000 engineers and researchers, Thales has a unique capability to design and deploy equipment, systems and services to meet the most complex security requirements. Its unique international footprint allows it to work closely with its customers all over the world.
Positioned as a value-added systems integrator, equipment supplier and service provider, Thales is one of Europe's leading players in the security market. The Group's security teams work with government agencies, local authorities and enterprise customers to develop and deploy integrated, resilient solutions to protect citizens, sensitive data and critical infrastructure.
Drawing on its strong cryptographic capabilities, Thales is one of the world leaders in cybersecurity products and solutions for critical state and military infrastructures, satellite networks and industrial and financial companies. With a presence throughout the entire security chain, Thales offers a comprehensive range of services and solutions ranging from security consulting, intrusion detection and architecture design to system certification, development and through-life management of products and services, and security supervision with Security Operation Centres in France, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands.
Media Contacts:
Dorothée Bonneil
Thales Media Relations - Security
+33 (0)1 57 77 90 89
dorothee.bonneil@thalesgroup.com
Liz Harris
Thales e-Security Media Relations
+44 (0)1223 723612
liz.harris@thales-esecurity.com