Sensus and Crytica Security team up for grid security
Securing electric grid infrastructure is a complex, always‑on challenge. Malicious actors continuously evolve their tactics to infiltrate systems, disrupt operations, and threaten the reliable energy supply that communities depend on every day
To help electric utilities stay a step ahead of these evolving threats, Sensus is taking a major leap forward in technology and protection. We are thrilled to announce a new partnership between Sensus, a Xylem brand, and Crytica Security. Together, we are integrating advanced, near real-time cybersecurity defenses directly into Sensus electric metering solutions.
Here is a closer look at how this collaboration works and what it means for the future of grid resilience.
The challenge of protecting operational technology
For years, operational technology (OT) environments have posed a unique engineering challenge for cybersecurity professionals. Unlike standard IT networks, the monitoring and control devices used in electric grids are highly specialized. They operate continuously, manage critical physical processes, and are often deployed in remote or harsh environments.
Historically, these endpoint devices at the grid edge—like electric meters—have been too capacity-constrained to host robust cybersecurity software. Traditional malware detection tools require significant processing power, memory, and bandwidth. You simply cannot run heavy, resource-intensive security programs on devices built for highly specific, low-power operational tasks.
This left a gap in edge protection. If a threat bypassed central firewalls and reached a remote endpoint, utilities might not realize an infiltration had occurred until the damage was already done.
Enter Crytica’s Rapid Detection & Alert Technology
To close this security gap, Sensus partnered with Crytica Security to bring their Rapid Detection & Alert™ (RDA™) technology to our electric meters.
This collaboration transforms standard Sensus meters into active, highly intelligent defense points. Rather than just measuring electricity usage, these endpoints now provide near real-time malware detection for your critical control systems.
Big protection in a tiny footprint
The secret to this integration lies in the compact design of Crytica’s software. The RDA solution operates with an incredibly small code footprint of approximately 100 kilobytes.
Because it requires so few resources, the RDA software runs continuously on our electric meters without bogging down the system. It does not affect device performance, and it does not disrupt daily utility operations. Utilities finally get the edge protection they need without sacrificing the efficiency of their advanced metering infrastructure.
Real-time threat detection for electric utilities
When you turn your meters into active defense points, you fundamentally change how your utility handles cybersecurity.
If malware attempts to infiltrate an endpoint, the integrated RDA technology identifies the threat immediately. Utilities receive alerts, allowing security teams to isolate the affected device and mitigate the threat before it spreads through the broader network. This rapid response capability is critical for safeguarding grid infrastructure from massive disruptions.
Strengthening operational resilience
Investing in advanced metering infrastructure is a major step forward for any electric utility. But as grid networks become more connected and intelligent, they also become more appealing targets for cyber threats.
This partnership ensures that your investment in smart grid technology includes robust, reliable protection. By securing operations right at the grid edge, Sensus and Crytica are helping utilities build stronger, more resilient energy systems for the future.
See the technology in action
We are excited to share this breakthrough in utility cybersecurity with you. If you want to learn more about how Sensus and Crytica Security are transforming electric meters into active defense points, we invite you to connect with our team.