The power network is slowly approaching the end of its expected life. Even if it is completely new, many of them are old. The world enters the era of electric cars, data centers and smart technology, so it is necessary to update the network. However, with digitization comes internet threats. The strong security position is vital for success.
The network update enhances the critical infrastructure
Electrical changes how people use the network. The infrastructure of electric vehicles, renewable power sources, smart network technologies, and virtual power plants are prevalent. Updating analog electrical infrastructure in these ways expands access to electricity and reduces dependence on limited fossil fuels, which increases flexibility.
With the development of high energy demand and the development of electricity, the importance of various and varied technology integration increases. Sensors can determine and isolate defects, and prevent power outages. Smart meters can help citizens improve energy efficiency, reduce resource waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
Why the network update is necessary in the long run
The update is vital because the American electrical infrastructure is old. Most circuit breakers and transport lines were
Until then, the old equipment constitutes the risk of cybersecurity. For example, after
Why cybersecurity is necessary to update the network
Since power stations, stations stations and transportation lines are under the umbrella of critical infrastructure, their enhancement by updating the network is important. Flexibility is a key to ensuring reliability while loading peak and preventing severe weather events from causing power outage. However, this integration can provide cybersecurity risks.
When power networks were mostly representative, local governments had to worry only about physical threats such as sabotage and harsh weather. since
If the Internet criminals can cause power out or completely close the power network, indescribable damage may occur. Within the first few days, the food in the refrigerator spoiled, companies will close, public transport will close, and cell towers will fail.
Hospitals and police stations will use backup generators to maintain lights. However, this is a temporary solution, and will remain indirectly affected. Unprecedented traffic lights and losing communication would disrupt emergency services.
The power outage has not yet occurred. However, this does not mean that the advanced threat group cannot cause it, especially since electronic threats have become more frequent and severe.
Are current cyber security practices sufficient?
Whether the current cyber security measures are sufficient to protect the power infrastructure while updating the network, it is the issue of expert minds. Although government agencies are working hard to create a strong tampering system, electronic threats are developing quickly.
With the progress of digitization, new attacks appear targeting electrical infrastructure. For example, the electronic CD can use a software radio
What are the security mechanisms that protect the energy network?
To be fair, many government agencies recognized the importance of network security and ascended. For example, the Cyber Security Office, Energy Security and Response of Emergency Cases (DOE) is led to enhance security and flexibility.
With the development of electronic threats targeting energy systems, Ceser
Cyber security approach in the United States of America uses tools such as authentication and data encryption mechanisms to enhance systems, even if there are wide security gaps between the components of the old network and the modern step.
Emerging technologies can enhance security
Many government agencies spend tens of millions of dollars in upgrade the safety and flexibility of the energy network with advanced security measures. Will these defenses be sufficient when Internet criminals can spread the following generation technologies such as harmful machine learning models?
Despite the large investments, the country’s energy infrastructure is still old, which makes it weak. In 2024, the North American Electrical Company found that the number of sensitive points between American electrical networks
Publishing artificial intelligence for automatic disclosure of the threat will be a big step forward. The infrastructure should be considered another. The IT (IT) information technology is prepared between servers, data storage and network components in a distributed platform, and simplifying management, monitoring and maintenance.
Reforming gaps between inheritance and modern systems
Before the government is able to update the electrical infrastructure, it must enhance the network’s security position. However, since the implementation of new cybersecurity mechanisms can provide weaknesses, pre -emptive security interventions are necessary.
Regardless of how to upgrade energy infrastructure, it is very likely that IT professionals upgrade energy infrastructure. Replace everything from transportation lines to simply controlling systems to control systems, so you may face compatibility or technical problems. Making enlightened decisions is the key to preventing unexpected weaknesses during this period.
Decision makers must also consider the implementation plan that produces the lowest number of security weaknesses. Will it be better to upgrade control systems before installing vehicle charging stations? Does the transport lines and circuit statements need sensors that support the Internet to monitor, or will this only lead to new risks?
The network update succeeds only with cybersecurity
Cyber security professionals – especially those in the United States, know the Energy Ministry and Ceser – how important it is to secure the power network in the country. They actively work on improvements. However, the details about what must be implemented and when the upgrade is somewhat from a gray area. With the development of cybersecurity, therefore their tactics must be.
