White House Identifies Cybersecurity as Smart-grid Policy Concern
Image: Energy Department
A White House smart-grid policy framework released this week has identified cybersecurity among the top priorities in the U.S. transition from an outdated electricity distribution system to a smart grid, InfoSecurity reports.
The policy paper also details other priorities, including enabling cost-effective smart grid investments, supporting innovation in the electricity sector, and enabling consumers to access energy consumption information.
In addition to facing all the typical cybersecurity challenges all critical infrastructure face, the smart grid has a few unique ones as well.
“These include the lengthy life expectancy of energy control systems, low-latency communications needed for real-time control, and differing requirements and regulatory frameworks among grid stakeholders,” the report said.
Public-private partnerships will help develop rigorous, open cybersecurity standards and guidelines for the smart grid, and identify and prioritize relevant cyber risks, the report said.
The White House will also work with smart-grid stakeholders to promote a performance-based cybersecurity culture, which entails active risk management, performance evaluations and continuous monitoring.
Among the White House’s cybersecurity priorities are safeguarding the electric system from cyber attacks and ensuring it can recover when attacked, as well as developing and maintaining threat awareness and strict cybersecurity guidelines and standards.
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