Smart grid conference to discuss security threats

SUBNET Solutions Inc | Thursday, May 05, 2011

As the U.S. continues to invest in the development of the smart grid, there are a myriad of challenges it faces, including how to properly protect the electricity supply from cyber attacks. An upcoming conference in California will bring together a group of industry experts who will discuss the next steps in the integration and expansion of the smart grid.

The second-annual Smart Grid Technology Conference will take place in San Jose, California during the first week of June. The annual meeting brings together more than 250 senior managers, presidents, directors and C-level executives, who will talk about the challenges the sector faces as further infrastructure investments are made; the security of the smart grid is an especially hot topic this year following the recent spate of reports on the susceptibility of the smart grid to attacks.

The growing threat of cyber attacks has prompted an increasing number of U.S. policymakers and industry experts to call for stricter cyber security regulations. At the conference, a panel will discuss how private and public networks can best work together to ensure the security and scalability of the smart grid.

A growing body of research shows the importance of securing the smart grid. According to a report from Pike Research, smart grid cybersecurity investment is expected to hit $1.3 billion by 2015.

Tags: Substation Cyber Security