Energy Cyber Security

Posted by mctracy On September 13, 2022

$45 million has been invested in cyber security by the Department of Energy. This is after there were several cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure.

“The Department of Energy is providing $45 million in funding for the next generation of technology to protect the electric grid from cyberattacks and help deploy clean energy.” (Next Gov).

The effort goes above and beyond in creating and developing new technologies to combat cyber-crime.

“DOE’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) will fund up to 15 research projects to establish or strengthen existing research partnerships with energy sector utilities, vendors, universities, national laboratories, and service providers working toward resilient energy delivery systems.” (Security Magazine).

The benefit of this initiative is unmatched and makes a statement regarding the Biden Administration.

“’As DOE builds out America’s clean energy infrastructure, this funding will provide the tools for a strong, resilient, and secure electricity grid that can withstand modern cyberthreats and deliver energy to every pocket of America,’ U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said. ‘DOE will use this investment to continue delivering on the Biden administration’s commitment to making energy cheaper, cleaner and more reliable.’” (Next Gov).

According to Security Magazine, there are 6 topics of focus.

“Automated Cyberattack Prevention and Mitigation: This topic area will focus on tools and technologies that enable energy systems to autonomously recognize and prevent cyberattacks from disrupting energy.

Security and Resiliency by Design: This topic area will focus on tools and technologies that build cybersecurity and resilience features into technologies through a cybersecurity-by-design approach.

Authentication Mechanisms for Energy Delivery Systems: This topic area will focus on tools and technologies that strengthen energy sector authentication.

Automated Methods to Discover and Mitigate Vulnerabilities: This topic area will focus on tools and technologies that address vulnerabilities in energy delivery control system applications.

Cybersecurity through Advanced Software Solutions: This topic area will focus on developing software tools and technologies that can be tested in a holistic testing environment that includes a development feedback cycle.

Integration of New Concepts and Technologies with Existing Infrastructure: This topic area will require applicants to partner with energy asset owners and operators to validate and demonstrate that cutting-edge cybersecurity technology can be retrofitted into existing infrastructure.” (Security Magazine).

Other administrations are involved as well.

“The DOE’s funding will also be combined with grid updates funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to help the U.S. boost its energy sector cyber defense.” (Next Gov).

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