Are ION meters easily susceptible to being infected by malicious code?

Issue:
Users are concerned about whether ION meters can be infected by malicious code and if they include built-in detection mechanisms.

Product:
ION Meters (PowerLogic ION series)

Environment:

• Communication interfaces
• Network-connected metering systems

Cause:
Users want to understand if ION meters can execute or be compromised by malicious code received through communication ports, and whether any detection or prevention features are built into the devices.

Resolution:
ION meters are not easily susceptible to malicious code infection because they are not capable of executing arbitrary code. These devices only process valid ION protocol packets. If any data or malicious code is received through a communication port, it is ignored unless it conforms to a valid ION packet structure. Invalid or non-compliant data is automatically discarded. Additionally, ION meters do not include malicious code detection or prevention mechanisms because their architecture does not support code execution.

Released for: Schneider Electric USA