The need for energy and utility organizations to focus on cybersecurity has never been higher. Recent attacks within the utility and energy sector have included large-scale data breaches and remote disabling of grid infrastructure.<\/p>\n
In fact, according to research from Skybox Security, 87 percent of utilities have experienced at least one security breach<\/a> in the past 36 months \u2014 a staggering figure. Headlines about threats such as the Volt Typhoon continue to emphasize the importance of cybersecurity awareness and policies to protect our nation\u2019s critical infrastructure.<\/p>\n While an increasingly digital world offers many benefits for energy and utility organizations \u2014 including improvements in customer satisfaction and power delivery, enhanced operational efficiencies, and more efficient management of resources \u2014 grid modernization also increases the potential exposure to cyberattacks.<\/p>\n To help prepare for this new landscape, we discuss the three trends and influencers for 2024 and what your organization can do to stay secure.<\/strong><\/p>\n Artificial intelligence<\/a> (AI) presents a unique opportunity to expand an organization\u2019s cybersecurity capabilities. However, AI also introduces new challenges to creating a safe and secure environment.<\/p>\n The opportunities AI affords are immense. Predictive analytics can optimize asset maintenance schedules. AI-empowered smart grids can dynamically adjust energy distribution based on real-time demand, enhancing reliability and reducing waste. AI-driven customer service solutions can personalize interactions, leading to greater satisfaction and loyalty.<\/p>\n Moreover, AI can automate and enhance the capabilities of cybersecurity teams. For example, AI can counter today\u2019s hackers’ advanced methods, including living-off-the-land (LOTL) techniques. LOTL uses built-in network administration tools rather than malware to gain access to critical infrastructure. By using AI and machine learning<\/a>, organizations can better detect abnormal activity and patterns on a previously impossible scale.<\/strong><\/p>\n However, innovation is not without risk. AI introduces cybersecurity challenges within the utility sector because it relies on vast amounts of sensitive operational, infrastructure and customer data. One major concern is the potential for malicious actors to exploit AI algorithms, leading to data breaches or system manipulations.<\/p>\n As AI systems become more interconnected with critical infrastructure, they create additional entry points for cyberattacks, especially through third-party software and vendors. Finally, the rapid evolution of AI may outpace security measures developed specifically for this industry, leaving utilities especially vulnerable to potential threats if they do not adequately prepare and monitor activity.<\/p>\n How can utilities mitigate the risk of AI adoption<\/a> within their organizations? Here are a few actionable recommendations:<\/p>\n Regulators have made great progress in better defining cybersecurity requirements for the energy and utilities industry over the past few years, and we anticipate this trend to continue. Recently, we saw the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) issue its Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 framework<\/a>, continued updates to NERC CIP<\/a>, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), and the Department of Energy (DOE)\u2019s creation of cybersecurity baselines for electric distribution systems and distributed energy resources<\/a> (DER), as well as the White House Cybersecurity Strategy<\/a> plan, as only a few examples.<\/p>\n Not only will the regulations continue to become better defined, but new types of organizations will have to meet more stringent standards, including renewable energy companies, assets traditionally defined as \u201clow impact<\/a>,\u201d the water utility sector, and small utilities.<\/strong> Despite the obvious benefits of implementing these standards, organizations may face several challenges when attempting to implement them:<\/p>\n Despite these challenges, companies should proactively prepare to meet these guidelines to protect assets, even if not federally mandated.<\/p>\n Looking forward to the next few years, our Cybersecurity team anticipates further regulatory changes, including enhanced security standards for critical infrastructure, a focus on information sharing across governmental agencies and companies, and continued expansion of data privacy regulations.<\/p>\n Utilities increasingly rely on third-party software vendors to support their critical functions. In 2020, the SolarWinds hack, a sophisticated cyberattack targeting SolarWinds\u2019 Orion platform used for network monitoring, rocked the industry. The breach allowed hackers to infiltrate organizations worldwide that rely on SolarWinds for infrastructure management, including as much as 25 percent of the utility industry<\/a>.<\/p>\n The event exposed vulnerabilities in utility cybersecurity policies and illuminated the need for robust security guidelines not only within the utility itself but also with its third-party software providers.<\/strong><\/p>\n To protect organizations against potential vulnerabilities, utilities must consider:<\/p>\n Cybersecurity will continue to be one of the top focus areas for energy and utility organizations. Proactive planning and continuous monitoring are your best methods of ensuring your organization\u2019s security.<\/p>\n \n Increased Focus on AI Solutions and Their Security Needs<\/h3>\n
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Increased Regulations Present Challenges and Opportunities<\/h3>\n
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Supply Chain Security Ramps Up<\/h2>\n
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Conclusion<\/h2>\n