“If you can understand the way these systems speak to one another, the potential to hack them is very real.”

– Atlas, January 17, 2013

According to the New York Times last week, a hacker wearing a fake beard and dark sunglasses took the stage at a computer security conference in Miami, Florida this month and showed a group of about 60 security researchers how to intercept smart grid radio communications.

Zpryme’s Zpryme and ViaSat have set out to address several issues around utility cybersecurity, and identify vulnerable parts of electrical systems and networks. The purpose of this report is to assess the overall cybersecurity threat faced by utilities, and identify the key benefits of cybersecurity investments. Additionally, this report identifies key budgeting considerations for cybersecurity, and where these funds are most likely to be spent. And finally, this report outlines system architectures or approaches that will best provide grid security.

“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.”

Visit ViaSat at DistribuTECH in San Diego, CA

ViaSat’s utility cybersecurity experts are gearing up for the DistribuTECH Conference and Exhibition, an event centered on vital transmission and distribution issues such as smart grid, energy efficiency, demand response, and renewable energy integration. DistribuTECH will be held January 29–31, 2013, in San Diego, California. ViaSat cybersecurity thought leaders such as Brett Luedde, will be available at booth #2146 on Tues, Jan 29 11am-6pm; Wed, Jan 30 10am-5pm; Thurs, Jan 31 10am-2pm.

About ViaSat

ViaSat delivers fast, secure communications, Internet, and network access to virtually any location for consumers, governments, enterprise, and the military. The company offers fixed and mobile satellite network services including Exede® by ViaSat, which features ViaSat-1, the world’s highest capacity satellite; service to more than 1,750 mobile platforms, including Yonder® Ku-band mobile Internet; satellite broadband networking systems; and network-centric military communication systems and cybersecurity products for the U.S. and allied governments. ViaSat also offers communication system design and a number of complementary products and technologies. Based in Carlsbad, California, ViaSat has established a number of locations worldwide for customer service, network operations, and technology development.

For more information about ViaSat, please visit ViaSat Critical Infrastructure Technology.

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