Overview
IEC TS 62351-2:2008 - part of the IEC 62351 series - is a Technical Specification that provides a glossary of terms for data and communications security in power systems management. It lists and cross-references key cybersecurity, cryptography and communications terms used across the IEC 62351 family. The document clarifies vocabulary for Smart Grid and utility environments, and points readers to original definitions from other standards bodies where appropriate. It is not intended to be a definitive dictionary but a harmonized reference for the series.
Key topics
The glossary organizes and defines terminology that underpins power systems security. Major topic areas include:
- Cryptography and keys: definitions for AES, DES, Diffie–Hellman, elliptic curve cryptography, block/stream ciphers, cryptographic hash, key pairs, key distribution, key update.
- Authentication & authorization: terms such as authentication, authorization, digital certificate, certification authority (CA), certificate revocation list (CRL).
- Data protection: confidentiality, integrity, encryption/decryption, data authentication, digital signature, non-repudiation.
- Network & protocol security: IPsec, firewalls, gateways, Abstract Communication Service Interface (ACSI), Generic Upper Layer Security (GULS).
- Operational security & threats: Denial of Service (DoS), malware, virus, man-in-the-middle, intrusion detection system (IDS), audit, accountability, chain of custody.
- Control systems context: Intelligent Electronic Device (IED), control network, Manufacturing Message Specification (MMS), distributed control system (DCS).
- Security management constructs: access control, access control list (ACL), assurance, certification, conformance test, defence in depth.
Applications / Who uses it
IEC TS 62351-2:2008 is a practical reference for:
- Utility engineers and Smart Grid architects preparing secure system designs and documentation.
- Cybersecurity teams and compliance officers aligning terminology across procurement, incident response, and auditing.
- Device and software vendors implementing IEC 62351 family protocols who need consistent term usage.
- Standards developers, testers and trainers creating interoperability test plans or educational materials.
Using a consistent glossary reduces ambiguity in requirements, contracts, technical specifications, and incident reporting for critical power infrastructure.
Related standards
- Part of the IEC 62351 series (data and communications security for power systems).
- The glossary references original definitions from other standards organizations where formal definitions exist (see IEC TS 62351-2 for specific cross-references).
Keywords: IEC TS 62351-2, IEC 62351-2:2008, Smart Grid cybersecurity glossary, power systems security, data and communications security, IEC 62351 glossary.