New smart grid stencils for the Microsoft Threat Modelling Tool

Challenge and objective

  • The process of identifying threats (Threat modelling) for a smart grid use case is time consuming and greatly dependent on the participants.
  • To ease and improve the threat modelling activity, we sought to create a smart grid template for the Microsoft Threat Modelling Tool which is easy to use while at the same time offering a systematic approach to smart grid threat identification and evaluation.

Work performed

  • Created a Smart Grid Template for Microsoft Threat Modelling Tool made up of typical smart grid elements and associated threats.
  • Created a model of the TSO-DSO reactive power use case, but did not perform the threat modelling.

Significant results

  • The tool offers a systematic approach to thread identification and evaluation, while still being easy to learn and use.
  • The work includes thorough documentation for use of the tool and a wider discussion of smart grid threat modelling.1,2
  • Led to the development of a new threat modelling method for industrial control systems.3

Impact for distribution system innovation

  • Enabling more efficient threat modelling process contributing to a more secure distribution grid.
  • Offers a wider discussion of threat modelling and cyber security threats towards the smart grid

1 https://ntnuopen.ntnu.no/ntnu-xmlui/handle/11250/2781029
2 https://sintef.brage.unit.no/sintef-xmlui/bitstream/handle/11250/3085034/102021132-1.pdf?sequence=1
3 https://jaatun.no/papers/2023/A%20method%20for%20threat%20modelling%20of%20industrial.pdf

Oddbjørn Gjerde

Oddbjørn Gjerde

WP2 Lead
+47 99 730 027
Name
Oddbjørn Gjerde
Title
WP2 Lead
Organization
SINTEF Energi AS

 

Reference in CINELDI