myTrustedCloud: Trusted Cloud Infrastructure for Security-critical Computation and Data Managment

Abstract

Cloud Computing provides an optimal infrastructure to utilise and share both computational and data resources whilst allowing a pay-per-use model, useful to cost-effectively manage hardware investment or to maximise its utilisation. Cloud Computing also offers transitory access to scalable amounts of computational resources, something that is particularly important due to the time and financial constraints of many user communities. The growing number of communities that are adopting large public cloud resources such as Amazon Web Services [1] or Microsoft Azure [2] proves the success and hence usefulness of the Cloud Computing paradigm. Nonetheless, the typical use cases for public clouds involve non-business critical applications, particularly where issues around security of utilization of applications or deposited data within shared public services are binding requisites. In this paper, a use case is presented illustrating how the integration of Trusted Computing technologies into an available cloud infrastructure-Eucalyptusallows the security-critical energy industry to exploit the flexibility and potential economical benefits of the Cloud Computing paradigm for their business-critical applications.

Exploiting massive PMU data analysis for LV distribution network model validation

“…This provides an additional layer of trust and security for the data and applications deployed in the cloud, providing a more reliable and secure platform. As with all cloud platforms, different levels of access can also be created, so an administrator can access the underlying infrastructure of the cloud, while end users can only view the data or results stored [6].…”

Effectively auditing IaaS cloud servers

“…The VerifyMyVM protocol uses a virtual TPM to remotely attest the integrity of VMs. myTrustedCloud [10] integrated the trust computing with the Eucalyptus cloud to meet the urgent security needs of energy industry. It verified a VM to guarantee that only the intended programs and configuration files can be loaded in the VM.…”

Information standards to support application and enterprise interoperability for the smart grid

“…Response: National Grid, in conjunction with Brunel University, Oxford eResearch Centre and Open Grid Systems have simulated a network model exchange with UK Power Networks through a trusted cloud infrastructure [13]. This project demonstrated that network models could be exchanged between utilities via a secure private cloud infrastructure built upon an open source solution -Eucalyptus.…”