Abstract: The rapid build out of today's smart grid raises a number of security questions. In this article,we review two recent well-documented security breaches and a report of a security gap. These situationsinclude a 2009 smart-meter hack in Puerto Rico; a 2012 password discovery in grid distributionequipment; and insecure storage of a private key in distribution automation equipment. For each of theseattacks, we examine the breach, the potential threat, and secure silicon methods that, as part of acomplete security strategy, can help thwart the attacks.
