Security Implementation Testing of Remote Terminal Unit for Power Utility

The Indian power sector is undergoing a transformation by implementing digital technologies to deal with the significant challenges of higher AT&C losses. Implementing digital technologies requires using various communicable devices as a part of operational technology (OT) system that enables real-time monitoring and control of the power sector. To access information from external networks, these technologies connect the OT systems with information technology (IT) systems, which exposes the OT systems to potential cyber-attacks. Therefore, it is essential to validate the security implementation of OT devices to mitigate the risk of cyber-attacks on OT systems. Electricity distribution utilities are implementing a substation automation system, and one of the significant components of a substation automation system is a remote terminal unit (RTU). This paper explains the importance of cyber security requirements, OT system security challenges and security implementation testing of remote terminal unit (RTU) as per IEC 62351 standards.