The Smart Grid Interoperability Panel (SGIP) mission is to accelerate the implementation of interoperable Smart Grid devices and systems. SGIP is a valuable source of information and guidance on all matters concerning the Smart Grid. One particularly resourceful tool is their SGIP’s Cybersecurity infographic an easy-to-use User’s Guide for NISTIR 7628 and Understanding How to Manage Smart Grid Cybersecurity Risk.
Cybersecurity threats exploit the increased complexity and connectivity of critical infrastructure systems, placing the United States security, economy, and public safety and health at risk. Similar to financial and reputational risk, cybersecurity risk affects a company’s bottom line. It can drive up costs and impact revenue, harm an organization’s ability to innovate and impact its ability to gain and retain customers.
In 2013, President Obama shared that “repeated cyber intrusions into critical infrastructure demonstrate the need for improved cybersecurity. The cyber threat to critical infrastructure continues to grow and represents one of the most serious national security challenges we must confront. To better address these risks, U. S. President Obama issued Executive Order 13636, “Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity” in February of that same year, which called for the development of a voluntary risk-based Cybersecurity Framework to enhance the security and resilience of the Nation’s critical infrastructure and to maintain a cyber environment that encourages efficiency, innovation, and economic prosperity while promoting safety, security, business confidentiality, privacy, and civil liberties.
The electric grid is critical to the economic and physical well-being of the nation, and emerging cyber threats targeting the grid highlight the need to integrate advanced cybersecurity to protect these critical assets.
