Study of Public Key Cryptography Techniques for Authentication in Embedded Devices for Smart Grids

With the incorporation of Information and Communication Technologies into the Power Grids, the concept of Smart Grids arises. One of the main components in Smart Grid is the use of Embedded Systems that allow the processing and communication of a great diversity of information and applications. However, using these technologies brings a series of new challenges, one of them, cybersecurity. Mechanisms are necessary to provide security to the information shared between the devices that make up the Smart Grid; cryptography is one of the most used mechanisms. This article presents a study of cryptographic techniques implemented in embedded devices (Raspberry Pi), using two cryptographic suites and a hardware security module (ZYMKEY). A comparison is made of algorithms used in smart meters to provide authenticity to said devices.