| Abstract
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Smart grids resulted from the integration … Smart grids resulted from the integration of computer technologies into the current
power grid. This brings several advantages, allowing for a faster and more efficient
deployment, configuration and maintenance, as well as easy integration of new energy
sources (e.g., wind and solar). As smart grids continue to grow in size and complexity,
they become subject to failures and attacks from different sources. Time synchronization
plays a crucial role in the stability and correct functioning of many grid components.
Considering how sensitive time synchronization is, the tight restrictions imposed for correct
operation and the lack of any kind of protection, makes this service a potential prime
target for attackers. Today most of the time synchronization requirements are met using
relatively expensive GPS hardware placed in some locations of the smart grid. When GPS
was first devised, nobody could have predicted the success and the impact that it would
have and therefore, security was never an important concern. Through the years, it slowly
gained entrance into more critical systems, where it was never intended to be used, which
can lead to serious security problems. The smart grid is just one of these critical systems
where GPS is being employed without any kind of protection. The focus of this research
is trying to solve this problem, by proposing a more secure and robust clock synchronization
algorithm. A solution based on the Precision Time Protocol (PTP) was developed
that manages to fulfill the time synchronization requirements of the smart grid and is also
capable of mitigating all types of identified GPS attacks. As an added benefit, the solution
may also reduce the number of GPS receivers necessary for the correct operation of the
smart grid, contributing to decrease costs. mart grid, contributing to decrease costs.
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