Dive Brief:
- The Department of Energy (DOE) on Monday released new guidelines designed to help electric utilities ensure the grid is safe from cybersecurity threats when buying new technology.
- The latest guidelines shift the cybersecurity focus from power control systems, subject of guidelines in 2009, to power delivery systems.
- The recommendations should help utilities purchase products with cyber protections already built in, minimizing the chance of vulnerabilities.
Dive Insight:
Grid security is in the national spotlight following a sniper attack on a California power station last year. A growing source of concern is whether innovation in grid technologies could lead to increased vulnerability.
“As we deploy advanced technologies to make the U.S. power grid more reliable and resilient, we must simultaneously advance cybersecurity protections," said DOE chief Ernest Moniz.
DOE's cybersecurity recommendations were created with input from industry and DOE's research labs, a good sign that there is buy-in from stakeholders on this complex and important issue.