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Open Source Smart Meter Hacking Framework Released
wiredmikey writes "A researcher specializing in smart grids has released an open-source tool designed to assess the security of smart meters. Dubbed 'Termineter,' the framework would allow users, such as grid operators and administrators, to test smart meters for vulnerabilities. Termineter uses the serial port connection that interacts with the meter's optical infrared interface to give the user access to the smart meter's inner workings. The user interface is much like the interface used by the Metasploit penetration testing framework. It relies on modules to extend its testing capabilities. Spencer McIntyre, a member of SecureState's Research and Innovation Team, is scheduled to demonstrate Termineter in a session 'How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Smart Meter,' at Security B-Sides Vegas on July 25. The Termineter Framework can be downloaded here." As the recent lucky winner of a smart meter from the local gas company, I wish householder access to this data was easy and expected.
While in the smart meter trade, have you ever said to yourself, "Wait a moment... this is a corrupt line of business which is clearly harmful for consumers, so perhaps I should get out and do something more ethical"? Or did you think one or more of "everyone else is doing it" and "I'm only following orders"?
It always interests me when someone comes forward and casually talks about some work they have done which is clearly morally questionable, and they talk about it like they've managed to compartmentalise their role and not in terms of thinking how their contribution will make an impact on other people. The most obvious field is "realtime systems design", which usually means building a better guidance system to blow up a family which happens to be in the way of some Western commercial plundering effort (with hilarious justifications like "well, if I write good software then it's less likely to kill more people than necessary!" - hint: 1 is more than necessary). But there are more subtle examples and "smart metering" is surely one.