Group unveils report on smart grid security protocols

SUBNET Solutions Inc | Wednesday, June 22, 2011

A recently published study from cyber security and utility groups aims to help organizations prepare for the continuing development of the nation's power supply network, according to a published report.

Smart Grid News reports that the Department of Energy, the National Rural Electric Cooperative (NRECA) and Washington D.C.-based security firm Cigital recently unveiled a far-reaching plan to help utilities improve their critical infrastructure protection (CIP) protocols.

At more than 600 pages in length, the study, "Developing a Cyber Security and Risk Mitigation Plan," is not for casual readers, but it intends to help organizations focus on the policies outlined in NISTIR 7628. As the smart grid community waits for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to release its implementation guides for 7628, the report can help utilities adopt the measures in the interim.

"This document is intended to help cooperatives develop a cyber-security plan for general business purposes, not to address any specific current or potential regulations," the report states. "Real security requires more than simply compliance with rules – the organization must embrace security as a basic requirement of business operations and develop a broad understanding of security."

Tags: Substation Cyber Security