Experts urge utilities to adopt latest smart grid cyber security protocols

SUBNET Solutions Inc | Monday, August 29, 2011

Power providers and utilities in the U.S. have witnessed a boom over the past decade, as a rapidly expanding population has prompted the need for electric grid development.

The Obama Administration, along with scores of energy experts, have pushed such companies to invest in the future of the country's power supply network, but information technology (IT) professionals worry not enough is being done to improve cyber defense networks.

Utilities based in the U.S. have already invested billions of dollars in infrastructure upgrades, and many analysts project such businesses to continue to funnel money toward further development over the coming years. IT workers and government officials, however, have warned that such upgrades should be met with improved smart grid cyber security measures.

The modernization of the U.S. electric grid will benefit utility customers and power providers, experts say, but as critical infrastructures are increasingly connected to the internet, it also allows hackers to potentially gain access to sensitive data.

As a result, many cyber security experts have recommended utilities comply with the latest government recommendations. They further urge power providers to adopt improved cyber security defense protocols, especially given the uptick in cyber infiltrations over the past year.

 

Tags: Substation Cyber Security Substation Automation & Remote Access