Security Researchers: Smart Grid Not So Smart After All?

The smart grid was supposed to be all the rage, distributing energy more efficiently, saving the environment (or delaying its destruction), putting money back into our pockets, etc. Now some analysts are treating the smart grid with more than a little caution, delving into some of the negative effects it could have. The smart grid centers around a new form of digitally controlled power distribution using meters with two-way communication. This key attribute of increased interconnectivity and communication could open the door to all kinds of problems should the system be hacked, as hackers could gain control of the power of individual sectors and homes to do things like cut off all power to an ex-girlfriend’s house–or her entire zip code. I suppose it’s good they’re talking about this now so that they can build in advanced security measures from the start…and hackers start planning how to skirt said security. [via Yahoo Tech]