Combined network coding and paillier homomorphic encryption for ensuring consumer data privacy in smart grid networks

Network coding (NC), which combines packets into linear combinations, has been shown to increase the capacity of a network, allocate resources more efficiently, reduce transmission power, and improve transmission reliability. NC can be combined with encryption to enhance the security of transmissions. We use Paillier Homorophic Encryption paired with NC (NCPHE) to provide additional protection against eavesdropping and packet analysis attacks while maintaining bandwidth efficiency and erasure protection. In this talk we will assess the suitability of NCPHE in a smart grid network to carry sensitive control and user information. Based on the latest UK DECC smart meter program and our own deployment we analyse the theoretical performance and practicality of our NCPHE scheme under different attack types.