Module-OT: Modular Security Apparatus for Managing Distributed Cryptography for Command and Control Messages on Operational Technology Networks

Increased levels of renewable energy and other distributed energy resources (DERs) on the electric grid have introduced new cyberattack vectors and increased the attack surface across modern energy systems. Recognizing this challenge and the critical need for an energy infrastructure, this project develops a solution to better protect data and communications on the distribution grid that provides security to both information and operational technology systems. Module-OT improves system security through encryption, authentication, authorization, certificate management, and user access control. It utilizes the latest industry standard hardware acceleration that improves the overall communication performance in terms of end-to-end latency. It is a lightweight module with interfaces that allow the technology to be embedded into power system devices of all sizes, including photovoltaic inverters. This technology mitigates threats from man-in-the-middle attacks and other forms of unauthorized access across increasingly diverse, complex, and expansive DER infrastructures.