Back to OurEnergyLibrary search




Utilities in the Connected Age: Strategies for Cybersecurity

Utilities in the Connected Age: Strategies for Cybersecurity

Full Title: Utilities in the Connected Age: Strategies for Cybersecurity
Author(s): Greentech Media, CISCO
Publisher(s): Greentech Media
Publication Date: December 1, 2016
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

Security is more than just a regulatory-driven necessity for utilities; it has become a business imperative. Most utilities can no longer do business effectively or efficiently without internet-of-things (IoT) technology; and recent events in the Ukraine have shown that largescale attacks against power grids can succeed. Beginning July 1, 2016, U.S. utilities must comply with NERC’s Critical Infrastructure Protection standard, v6, which features an expanded scope and greater emphasis on security, compared to previous NERC CIP regimes. Most utilities in the U.S. already possess a relatively high level of awareness and sophistication about cybersecurity, compared to other industries — but there are some common weak spots. To respond effectively to ever-shifting cyber threats and vulnerabilities, utilities must adopt a risk-based security approach that exceeds regulatory requirements. This paper recommends an integrated utility security program that encompasses physical and digital security technology, staffing and training, leadership support, crossdepartmental collaboration and cross-sector coordination.

All statements and/or propositions in discussion prompts are meant exclusively to stimulate discussion and do not represent the views of OurEnergyPolicy.org, its Partners, Topic Directors or Experts, nor of any individual or organization. Comments by and opinions of Expert participants are their own.

Sign up for our Press Release Distribution List

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Please sign me up to receive press releases from OurEnergyPolicy.org.