Security of Power Line Communication systems: Issues, limitations and existing solutions

Abstract Power Line Communication (PLC) is a widely used telecommunication technology that uses the electrical transmission medium as a mean to transmit data. PLC is currently used in different applications, such as smart grids, in order to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and intelligence of the power supply chain. However, as most communication system, PLC is prone to active and passive attacks. In this paper, PLC technologies are reviewed, especially from a cyber-security perspective. We present and analyze existing security solutions and provide a set of recommendations towards reducing the overheads associated with security services for PLC systems.