Recently, in a cyber intelligence bulletin obtained by KrebsOnSecurity, the FBI disclosed information about a hack that occurred on a Puerto Rico smart meter, which is the first known report of a hack on a digital smart meter. This intelligent attack was devised by hackers who communicated with the computer system and changed the software setting to halt the measuring usage of the meter.

GreenTech Media called upon Industrial Defender to shed some light on the situation and explain what this means for the safety of these utilities. In the article, Jacob Kitchel, senior manager of security and compliance for Industrial Defender states:

“From what we’ve seen, tampering with meters has been a long standing problem for utilities. What is unique in this case is that the attackers used the optical ports to tamper with the meter’s internal software. Moving forward, it will be harder to detect malicious modification of meter software when vendor-approved methods and mechanisms, such as optical ports, are being used.”

In general, the move to digital smart meters will continue to provide greater security for these systems and lessen the amount of traditional theft. However, as hackers become more tech-savvy and there may be an escalation in these types of intelligent attacks.

To learn more about this smart meter hack, please find the full GreenTech Media article here: FBI Finds Smart Meter Hacking Surprisingly Easy

Have any thoughts on this article or questions for Jacob? Leave us a comment!