Cybersecurity Requirements in Smart Metering
Smart metering systems play a critical role in modern energy infrastructure, enabling accurate measurement, remote management, and integration with digital energy platforms. Because these systems are highly connected and often deployed at scale, cybersecurity is essential to protect data integrity, system availability, and consumer trust.
Manufacturers and operators of smart metering systems must address cybersecurity requirements across devices, communication networks, and supporting software. Requirements typically cover secure design, authentication and access control, data protection, secure communication, and vulnerability management.
Cybersecurity requirements for smart metering are primarily addressed through Common Criteria (ISO/IEC 15408) protection profiles, which define security requirements for smart meters, smart meter gateways, and security modules. Additional cybersecurity requirements may apply depending on system scope and deployment context, including IEC 62443 for system‑level and communication security, as well as market‑specific national schemes.
ISO/IEC 15408 – Common Criteria for Smart Metering
Common Criteria Protection Profiles include detailed descriptions of the minimum security requirements that should be met by smart metering products available on the market.
Smart meter Protection Profiles support the requirements of all stakeholders. The Protection Profiles are based on wide industrial collaboration and are designed to be practical and easy to use.
Usability, quality, and robustness are supported by CEN, CENELEC, ETSI, BSI, and the Common Criteria community.
Relevant Common Criteria Protection Profiles include:
Protection Profile for Smart Meter Minimum Security Requirements
Protection Profile for the Gateway of a Smart Metering System
Protection Profile for the Security Module of a Smart Meter Gateway (Security Module PP)
Learn more about Common Criteria Cybersecurity Certification (EUCC)
IEC 62443 – Industrial Control System Security for Smart Metering
The IEC 62443 series was originally developed for Industrial Automation and Control Systems, which share similarities with IoT and Smart City environments in terms of architecture and functionality.
IEC 62443, through its specialized parts, covers all aspects relevant to cybersecurity. Depending on the aspect under evaluation, suitable sets of requirements are available, ranging from system design to quality assurance procedures such as patch management.
IEC 62443 provides independently verifiable cybersecurity criteria to all types of stakeholders.
Your benefits include:
Compliance with the NIS Directive
Increased trust as a certified supplier
Learn more about Industrial Control System Security
RED – Cybersecurity for Smart Metering
Wireless technology has a significant impact on smart metering systems. As connectivity increases and systems become more complex, the compliance process becomes increasingly intricate.
Economic operators in the energy industry must comply with the EU Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED) and ensure that their responsibilities are implemented accordingly. In 2021, the European Commission took action to improve the cybersecurity of wireless devices placed on the European market.
These measures lay down new legal requirements for cybersecurity safeguards that manufacturers must consider during the design and production of affected products.
The new cybersecurity measures aim to:
Improve network resilience
Better protect consumers’ privacy
Reduce the risk of monetary fraud
Learn more about RED Cybersecurity Requirements
QIMA Cybersecurity Solutions for Smart Metering
QIMA supports smart metering manufacturers and solution providers with cybersecurity services tailored to regulated energy and utility environments.
Our services include cybersecurity testing and evaluation, certification and conformity assessment support, and advisory services aligned with applicable standards and national schemes. We help organizations prepare technical documentation, perform security evaluations, and address identified gaps across smart metering components and systems.
Why QIMA for Smart Metering Cybersecurity
QIMA combines cybersecurity expertise with experience in testing, inspection, and certification for energy and utility technologies. Our services support both national and international market requirements, helping organizations manage cybersecurity consistently across products and deployments.
Through recognized evaluation and certification pathways, QIMA supports smart metering stakeholders in building trust with regulators, utilities, and consumers.
Resources
In addition to core services, QIMA provides resources to help organizations understand cybersecurity requirements, build internal capability, and stay informed as regulations and threats evolve.
These include:
Events including conference participation, where QIMA cybersecurity experts share insights through live sessions and on‑demand content
Training and workshops for development, security, and compliance teams
Downloads such as guides, infographics, and checklists supporting compliance and security improvement
Blogs providing updates on cybersecurity risks, regulatory developments, and best practices
Newsletters delivering insights and updates directly to subscribers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) addressing common cybersecurity, evaluation, and certification topic
Talk to Our Smart Metering Cybersecurity Experts
Whether you are developing smart meters, preparing gateway components for certification, or securing large‑scale metering deployments, QIMA can support your organization.