Limiting privacy by using smart meters

information security perspectives

Uroš Jelenc (Author), Blaž Markelj (Author)

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the key features of smart energy meters, their strengths and weaknesses. In addition, the paper aims at establishing how they interfere with user privacy and determine the users’ level of awareness. Design/Methods/Approach: For the purpose of this paper, existing literature was reviewed and analysed, and a questionnaire was distributed in a digital form. 229 respondents participated in the survey. Findings: It has been found that smart energy meters collect very accurate information about users’ electricity consumption at short intervals. The information can then be used to identify devices, identify the presence or absence of people, their habits and activities. According to the survey results, the awareness among people using smart energy meters is low. Research Limitations / Implications: The limitations stem from the survey sample, as only people who are users of online social networks, e-mail and internet messaging applications (Viber, WhatsApp) were included in the survey. Practical Implications: The paper presents key findings in the field of smart energy meters and their potential for compromising individuals’ safety and privacy. The paper discusses different ways in which energy consumption information can be exploited and used to harm users, as well as methods for establishing a secure and reliable network. Originality/Value: Due to the increasing share of smart energy meters installed in Slovenia, there is an increasing risk of privacy intrusions and threats to the safety of individuals. The research findings will help increasing users’ awareness about smart energy meters and prevent potential abuse of their data.

Keywords

No keyword data available

Data

Language:	English
Year of publishing:	2019
Typology:	1.01 - Original Scientific Article
Organization:	UM FVV - Faculty of Criminal Justice
UDC:	004.056
COBISS:	3838698
ISSN:	1580-0253
Parent publication:	Varstvoslovje
Views:	459
Downloads:	32
Average score:	0 (0 votes)
Metadata:

Other data

Secondary language:	Slovenian
Secondary title:	Omejevanje zasebnosti s pametnimi merilniki – informacijskovarnostni vidik
Secondary abstract:	Namen prispevka: Namen prispevka je predstaviti ključne lastnosti pametnih merilnikov energije, njihove prednosti in slabosti ter ugotoviti, kako posegajo v uporabnikovo zasebnost in kakšno zavedanje o tem imajo ljudje. Metode: Za namen članka je bila pregledana in analizirana obstoječa literatura ter posredovan vprašalnik v digitalni obliki. V raziskavi je sodelovalo 229 anketirancev. Ugotovitve: Ugotovljeno je bilo, da pametni merilniki energije zbirajo zelo natančne informacije o uporabnikovi porabi električne energije na kratkih časovnih intervalih. Z informacijami se lahko nato identificirajo naprave, ugotavlja prisotnost ali odsotnost oseb, njihove navade ter dejavnosti. Glede na rezultate ankete je med osebami nizka ozaveščenost o pametnih merilnikih energije. Omejitve/uporabnost raziskave Omejitve izhajajo iz raziskovalnega vzorca, saj so bili v anketo vključeni le uporabniki spletnih družabnih omrežij, elektronske pošte in internetnih aplikacij za sporočanje (Viber, WhatsApp). Praktična uporabnost: V prispevku so predstavljene ključne ugotovitve na področju pametnih merilnikov energije in njihov potencial za ogrožanje varnosti ter zasebnosti oseb. Prikazani so načini, kako lahko informacije o porabi energije izkoristijo in uporabijo za škodovanje uporabnikom, ter načini za vzpostavitev varnega in zanesljivega omrežja. Izvirnost/pomembnost prispevka: Zaradi vse večjega deleža nameščenih pametnih merilnikov energije v Sloveniji obstaja vedno večja verjetnost za poseg v zasebnost in ogrozitev varnosti oseb. Ugotovitve raziskave bodo pripomogle k večjemu ozaveščanju uporabnikov o pametnih merilnikih energije ter možnih načinih zlorabe njihovih podatkov.
Secondary keywords:	poraba energije;pametni merilniki;informacijska varnost;zasebnost;
Type (COBISS):	Scientific work
Pages:	str. 346-365
Volume:	ǂLetn. ǂ21
Issue:	ǂšt. ǂ4
Chronology:	2019
ID:	11519184