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Roadmap to Secure Control Systems in the Energy Sector

Abstract: 
Control systems, comprised of vast networks of interconnected electronic devices essential to monitoring and controlling energy, form the backbone of our energy infrastructure. Cyber systems provide automated control over this network of assets, but this requires control systems to communicate with thousands of nodes and numerous information systems, exposing our energy systems to malevolent cyber attacks or accidents. Enemies have already targeted flaws in system components, telecommunications methods, and common operating systems. Though the energy sector has helped itself by identifying some vulnerabilities, attacks that have targeted energy control systems have been successful. Because energy systems are essential to daily commerce, cyber security for this sector is critical. Industry and government leaders need to step up and create a strategy to protect our key energy infrastructures. The framework of protecting energy control systems allows industry and government officials to align objectives and investments while improving cyber security. Information sharing between government and the private sector is also critical—often, information about cyber attacks, their consequences, and how to avoid them is not widely dispersed. While asset owners and operators, along with software vendors and IT service providers, bear the chief responsibility for executing a roadmap to energy cyber security, government researchers should help the private sector explore long-term solutions. Industry and government agencies should coordinate to fulfill the roadmap to security.
Author: 
Energetics Incorporated
Institution: 
Energetics Incorporated
Year: 
2006
Industry Focus: 
Energy
Information & Telecommunication
Internet & Cyberspace
Country: 
United States
Datatype(s): 
Bibliographies & Reports