Enhancing Problem Frames with Trust and Reputation for Analyzing Smart Grid Security Requirements

Smart grids are expected to scale over millions of users and provide numerous services over geographically distributed entities. Moreover, smart grids are expected to contain controllable local systems (CLS) such as fridges or heaters that can be controlled using the network communication technology of the grid. Security solutions that prevent harm to the grid and to its stakeholders from CLS are essential. Moreover, traditional security approaches such as static access control systems cause a lot of administrative workload and are difficult to maintain in fast growing and changing systems. In contrast, trust management is a soft security mechanism that can reduce this workload significantly. Even though there is not any accepted definition of trust, it is agreed that it can improve decision-making processes under risk and uncertainty, improving in turn systems’ security. We use the problem frames notation to discuss requirements for a trust-based security solution concerning CLS.