Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
Key Points:
- Cybersecurity professionals are in short supply, especially in critical sectors like energy infrastructure.
- With the increasing connectivity of systems to the internet, critical infrastructure is becoming more vulnerable to cyber attacks.
Energy infrastructure, such as electricity grids and pipelines, are crucial but lack the necessary cybersecurity expertise to protect them. The global shortage of cybersecurity professionals is expected to reach 85 million by 2030, making it difficult to defend against and respond to attacks. The Canadian government is making efforts to attract and develop cybersecurity experts, but the private sector pays significantly more, leading to high demand for qualified professionals. The integrated nature of the North American energy system means that attacks on the U.S. grid could also impact the Canadian electricity sector.
Full Article:
Energy infrastructure, such as electricity grids and pipelines, are attractive targets for cyber attacks due to their importance in everyday operations. However, there is a shortage of cybersecurity professionals across all sectors, with estimates projecting a global shortage of 85 million workers by 2030. This shortage is particularly acute in critical sectors like energy, where the lack of qualified personnel makes it challenging to keep systems secure.
The increasing connectivity of systems to the internet has made critical infrastructure more susceptible to cyber attacks. Experiences like the 2021 ransomware attack on the U.S.’s Colonial Pipeline serve as a reminder of the potential consequences of cyber incidents on energy systems. While Canada has not yet experienced an attack of that scale, smaller incidents have occurred in sectors like oil and gas, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures.
The unique nature of safety-critical systems, such as energy infrastructure, requires cybersecurity professionals to have a deep understanding of both computer science and the operation of critical systems. The demand for these highly skilled professionals is high, with the private sector offering significantly higher salaries than the government. Efforts are being made to attract and develop cybersecurity experts, but the shortage remains a pressing issue.
Collaboration between the U.S. and Canada in addressing cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure is crucial, given the integrated nature of the North American energy system. The government is working on initiatives to support cybersecurity talent development, but the industry faces challenges in attracting and retaining qualified professionals in the face of growing cyber threats.
