Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Electricity Grids

Abstract

Cyberattacks against industrial control systems (ICS) are on the rise. Roughly one-third of ICS were targeted by malicious activity in the first half of 2021, with hackers often tied to nation-states and organized crime. Electric utilities around the world have been undergoing a transformative digitalization process, promoting efficiency but also exposing the sector to cyberattacks that can have serious negative effects on other critical infrastructure (transport, water supply, etc.). Given the increased connectivity and digitalization of power networks, and the convergence of operational technology (OT) with information technology (IT), cybersecurity and proactive cyber risk management in the electricity sector have become a necessity.