Report: Explosion of Electric Grid-Connected Devices will Complicate Security Fierce Homeland Security (07/21/14) Rausnitz, Zach The growing use of smart-grid technology and the integration of more devices into the nations electric system could complicate efforts to secure the nations electric grid, according to a report by the nonpartisan policy organization the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress. The report noted that the use of more devices will create more avenues that cybercriminals can use to attack the power grid. Device makers, utilities, and consumers will have to ensure these devices and their connections to the power grid remain secure, the report said. The reports authors also pointed out that more Internet-connected appliances and other devices in the home will exacerbate existing privacy concerns. In order to mitigate these risks, the report recommends electrical grid operators take a risk-based approach to cybersecurity, and that Congress pass legislation to encourage sharing of cybersecurity information. Those are not new ideas, but the report did additionally call for a novel exchange program in which public and private-sector utility employees switch places to foster trust, understanding, and cooperation.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Jul 2014 19:25:10 +0000