As shown in a new Zpryme INFOgraphic commissioned by critical infrastructure security company, ViaSat, a survey of 213 utility and Smart Grid professionals reveals that 65 percent of executives believe that utilities will “increase investment” in cybersecurity for 2013, while the same group believes that the technology most vulnerable to cyber-attacks will be “operations and information technologies.”
The findings shown in the 2012 Utility Cybersecurity Survey confirm that overall utilities and Smart Grid vendors must be cognizant of all levels of the electrical grid framework, from current infrastructure design through smart meter rollout, upkeep, and disposition. The grid systems for critical applications must withstand cybersecurity incidents with zero loss of critical function.
The survey findings also indicate that when asked how secure electrical networks are in the U.S., only four percent said “very secure”, while the rest cited “somewhat secure” (43%), “somewhat insecure” (39%), and “very insecure” (15%). More notably, 73% of the executives surveyed feel that the recently rejected Cybersecurity Act of 2012 was an important piece of legislation and greatly needed by the electricity industry.
“The survey finding that cybersecurity has become a serious focal point by utilities is not a surprise – a synchronized public-private response to cybersecurity through new technologies is needed,” explains Brett Luedde, Director of Global Energy Delivery Systems, ViaSat. “An important component to addressing a cyber attack is the utility’s ability to detect and respond to an event in a timely manner. ViaSat’s cybersecurity control system defends against attacks to utility energy delivery systems and smart grids, addressing both internal and external threats to the operations network.”
“Based on the survey, with almost seven out of ten respondents indicating that utilities will increase cybersecurity investment in 2013, utility managers that work closely with existing critical systems and networks need to look for real-world turnkey options,” said Jason S. Rodriguez, CEO & Director of Research, Zpryme. “As the energy industry continues to evolve at a record rate, ViaSat is a perfect example of a company serving to safeguard the grid, networks, and systems that power-up our daily lives.”
About ViaSat, Critical Infrastructure Security
Secure situational intelligence by ViaSat is playing a fundamental role in the evolution of cybersecurity. The ViaSat cybersecurity control system defends against attacks to utility energy delivery systems and smart grids, addressing both internal and external threats to the operations network. Learn more at ViaSat’s Critical Infrastructure Security.
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