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Improving Software and Data Security in SCADA Systems

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Office of the Secretary of Defense 		Award ID:
94822 		Program Year/Program:
2010 / STTR
Agency Tracking Number:
O09B-003-1012 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
OSD 09T003 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
Zenpanion LLC
5309 Wurzbach Rd Suite 100-1 San Antonio, TX 78238
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Woman-Owned: Yes
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 1
Fiscal Year: 2010
Title: Improving Software and Data Security in SCADA Systems
Agency / Branch: DOD / OSD
Contract: FA8650-10-M-1881
Award Amount: $99,982.00
 

Abstract:

Zenpanion LLC proposes a hardware-based protection mechanism to substantially improve the security of a key component of a SCADA system. The protected component is the on-site intelligent electronic controller installed to perform energy management in a home or business. The controller's responsibilities include monitoring and controlling local devices such as lighting, appliances, and HVAC systems to reduce energy use and lower costs. In the SCADA architecture of the new Smart Grid, such controllers are a key component of demand response and other resource controls. For example, a controller receives a demand response directive from the utility provider via an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) channel. The controller then responds by reducing local resource use. The controller is typically also connected to the Internet, e.g. to obtain weather data or allow the home or business owner remote access. Controller vulnerabilities allow an intruder to perform actions such as shutting down all controlled electrical devices. A hardware-based protection system is proposed to secure the controller, ensuring it is not compromised. The protection system is transparent to the controller, has full monitoring and control access, and is interfaced in a way that makes it much more difficult to compromise than the controller itself.

Principal Investigator:

Matt Rasmussen
Vice President of Operations
2105205167
matt@zenpanion.com

Business Contact:

Jung A. Rasmussen
President and CEO
2105205167
jrasmussen@zenpanion.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

Zenpanion LLC
5309 Wurzbach Rd Suite 100-1 San Antonio, TX 78238

EIN/Tax ID: 205261625
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No
Research Institution Information:
Southwest Reseach Institute
P.O. Drawer 28510
San Antonio, TX 78228
Contact: Galen Rasche
Contact Phone: 2105226416
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