Aligning IT Architecture Analysis and Security Standards for Smart Grids

Abstract

In this paper, an approach using the European Smart Grid Architecture Model (SGAM) in the context of the NISTIR 7628 is presented. Research has shown that both models and methodologies have particular impact, but have not yet been put into mutual context. The combination of these models makes it possible for US Smart Grid experts to reuse the SGAM model and its benefits, and vice versa, European stakeholders are encouraged to use the security analysis framework from NIST. Within this paper, we briefly introduce the methodologies including their strengths and fallbacks. We outline the necessity to make them interoperable and aligning them. Finally, the logical interface framework from NISTIR 7628 is mapped onto the SGAM and its planes, domains and zones, bridging the existing gap. In addition to those results, we outline the need for a future integration with a maturity model for security assessment and point out a roadmap and preliminary results.