Grid Edge Node Cryptographic Renewal for Secure Utility Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field-deployed computer resources of utility grids, including microgrids, suffer from severe cybersecurity deficiencies such as a lack of cryptographic identity and limited application-patching capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method of securely controlling utility grid edge devices by receiving renewed security information at a node with cryptographic circuitry and using this information to control the operation of the device, thereby enhancing cybersecurity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional control methods are used for utility grid edge devices, then device operation can be maintained, but cybersecurity deficiencies persist including lack of cryptographic identity and limited application-patching capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-provisioning edge devices with cryptographic identities and security certificates before deployment. The system establishes security infrastructure in advance, including digital certificates and cryptographic keys, so that devices are secured from the moment they are deployed rather than requiring retroactive security implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments security management into distinct components: cryptographic circuitry for key generation and storage, certificate authorities for identity issuance, and distributed security policies. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables modular updates to security mechanisms without affecting the entire system.
2Reliability
If security information is renewed frequently to maintain security, then cybersecurity is enhanced, but communication overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through scheduled security information renewal at predetermined intervals. Edge devices automatically renew their cryptographic credentials and security certificates before expiration according to established time schedules, ensuring continuous security coverage while optimizing the balance between security freshness and communication efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary security information renewal by initiating the renewal process before existing security credentials expire. This proactive approach ensures uninterrupted security coverage and avoids the time loss that would occur if renewal had to wait for credential expiration or failure.
3Reliability
If cryptographic circuitry is deployed at edge devices to provide security, then cryptographic identity is established, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing cryptographic circuitry selectively at specific edge devices based on their security requirements and sensitivity of operations. Not all edge devices receive identical security hardware - instead, cryptographic capabilities are deployed where locally needed, optimizing the balance between security and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces certificate authorities and security management servers as intermediaries that handle complex cryptographic operations centrally. Edge devices with cryptographic circuitry can leverage these intermediary services for key management, certificate issuance, and security policy enforcement, reducing the burden on individual device hardware.
4Ease of operation
If security information is stored at edge devices, then cryptographic operations can be performed locally, but security vulnerabilities increase if the information is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing redundant security mechanisms and backup cryptographic credentials. Edge devices maintain multiple certificates and keys, and the system provides fallback authentication methods, so that if one security credential is compromised, other protective layers remain intact to maintain security coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by automatically invalidating and replacing compromised security credentials. When cryptographic information is suspected to be compromised or expires, the system discards the vulnerable credentials and recovers security by issuing fresh certificates and keys, ensuring that compromised information cannot be exploited long-term.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of securely controlling a utility grid edge device are provided. A method of securely controlling a utility grid edge device includes receiving renewed security information at a node that includes cryptographic circuitry. Moreover, the method includes controlling an operation of the utility grid edge device via the node, after receiving the renewed security information. Related nodes and utility grid edge devices are also provided.