According to some tests performed by IOActive, a Seattle security consultancy, and InGuardians, a network security research and consulting firm, hackers could break into the system and cause a massive blackout. Many experts in this domain said the United States shouldn’t hurry to deploy the Smart Grid and now must focus on eliminating the vulnerabilities. 

 

The Smart Grid devices are actually computers connected to the power grid to give consumers and power companies a better management of the electricity. Currently, there are about 2 million such devices in use, and many more will soon be deployed. Researchers from IOActive created a worm that spread very quickly from one Smart Grid device to another, showing the system’s vulnerability. Imagine what a malicious hacker would do if it would have or develop a similar worm.

 

"I think we are putting the cart before the horse here to get this stuff rolled out very fast," said InGuardians co-founder Ed Skoudis.

 

The automated meters, two-way communications and high end sensors will be installed to complete the Smart Grid. Currently, millions of automated meters are being installed in homes across the U.S. 

 

However, according to experts some types of meters are hackable. IOActive experts said a hacker with $500 of equipment and knowledge in this domain could seize control of the meter infrastructure and cut off power in homes or businesses.