AP Exclusive: ‘Smart’ meters plagued with serious security holes that threaten power grid

AP Exclusive: ‘Smart’ meters have security holes

SAN FRANCISCO — Researchers say “smart” meters that can deliver electricity more efficiently also have flaws that could let hackers tamper with the power grid in new ways.

At the very least, the vulnerabilities open the door for attackers to jack up strangers’ power bills. These flaws also could get hackers a step closer to remotely turning someone else’s power on and off.

The attacks could be pulled off by stealing meters and reprogramming them. Or an attacker could sit near a home or business and wirelessly hack the meter from a laptop. That’s according to Joshua Wright, an analyst with InGuardians Inc. The firm was hired by three utilities to study their meters’ resistance to attack.

There is no evidence the security flaws have been exploited.