The purpose of this research, funded under the Small Business Innovative Research Program, was to evaluate the requirements and feasibility of implementing high security encryption using IEC 61850 in low cost gateways suitable for securing new and existing SCADA systems. 

EnerNex proposed the implementation of a proof-of-concept device that would embody a protocol converter and gateway based on low cost, off-the-shelf hardware.  The project looked at implementing a wide variety of cryptographic technologies and proposed methods to use those technologies to secure IEC 61850 and related protocols. 

The project also assessed roadblocks to implementing SCADA system cyber security.  The idea was to demonstrate that strong security could be implemented on small, low cost systems without compromising system performance, yielding a readily implemented, low cost means to enhance the security of electric power SCADA systems. 

A key component of this project was analysis of third party market research relating to deployment and securing of SCADA systems and conducting a survey of SCADA system owners and operators regarding issues related to communication links to SCADA systems, protocols utilized, and level of awareness of cyber security issues.