Energizing Regional Centers: Cybersecurity for Electrical Grids

TLDR:

• Six new university-based cybersecurity centers focus on protecting the electric grid
• The initiative is funded by the Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response (CESER)

Six new university-led cybersecurity centers are tackling the issue of electrical grid cybersecurity. The Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response (CESER) has provided grant funding for these projects, which aim to train specialists and develop defense tools to protect against cyber attacks on the energy sector. Each university project is partnering with various stakeholders in the energy industry to address challenges such as legacy systems, distributed energy resources, and the need for cost-efficient solutions. Collaboration with industry partners, other universities, and national labs is a key component of the initiatives. The universities also plan to build a workforce prepared to secure electric grids through new curricula, workshops, internships, and mentorships. The ultimate goal is to enhance cybersecurity measures while maintaining the reliability of power grids.