DLMS/COSEM Security Services and Analysis of Smart Meter: Indian Scenario

In today’s context, ensuring security in the critical infrastructure of the smart grid is paramount. This involves safeguarding communication networks and protecting data across all stages, from the smart meter (SM) to the Data Concentrator Unit to the Head-End System (HES). DLMS/COSEM security plays a crucial role in smart metering, which serves as a foundational component of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure, responsible for measuring real-time energy consumption and transmitting data seamlessly to the HES. To prevent data breaches, DLMS/COSEM offers application layer security, ensuring the safe transfer of data with comprehensive end-to-end protection, which is crucial in mitigating hacking incidents that could compromise customer privacy and even disrupt national power grids. These measures ensure the protection of data and operations within the metering infrastructure, critically for maintaining privacy, reliability, and integrity. This paper explores various DLMS/COSEM security mechanisms, the concept of end-to-end DLMS/COSEM security, and available security services for SMs.