Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
DOE is investing in universities to enhance energy sector cybersecurity due to growing cyber threats and a lack of skilled workers in the industry. The department has awarded $15 million in grants to establish six university-based electric power cybersecurity centers to address research gaps in energy security.
These centers will focus on operational technology security across the energy sector and in critical infrastructure environments. Current challenges include outdated infrastructure, workforce shortages, and lack of tools to scan OT networks for cyber intrusions, making energy facilities an attractive target for hackers.
Full Article
Nation-state attackers are actively targeting U.S. energy companies, power generation, and distribution systems, with most utilities facing challenges in adopting the latest digital technologies. The federal government is relying on the next generation of engineers, cybersecurity experts, and policymakers to develop transformative solutions for the energy sector.
The Department of Energy (DOE) has made significant investments in research, development, and demonstration projects at academic institutions to bolster cybersecurity against cyber threats. One of their initiatives includes establishing university-based electric power cybersecurity centers through grants amounting to $15 million.
The University of Pittsburgh is among the recipients of these grants and has launched the Cyber Energy Center with a focus on operational technology security. This center, along with other university-based cyber centers across the country, will play a crucial role in improving energy sector cybersecurity and the resilience of critical infrastructure.
Key challenges in the energy sector include aging infrastructure, difficulty in updating systems due to continuous operations, and the lack of tools to monitor and scan OT networks effectively. These factors contribute to the sector’s attractiveness to hackers, prompting the DOE to invest in educational institutions to address security gaps.
Overall, the collaboration between universities, industry partners, and government institutions will help advance research and training programs, enabling the growth of the U.S. cyber workforce and enhancing the nation’s energy system defense against evolving cyber threats.
