Technology and Strategy Innovations for Ensuring Cyber Resiliency in the Utility Energy Network
Energy providers across the spectrum face the increasingly present threat of cyber attacks to their critical infrastructure from nation-state actors. These advanced persistent threat (APT) groups have the resources and support to mount attacks that are complex, orchestrated, and ever-more sophisticated. Utilities face the critical task of continually safeguarding key infrastructure from this kind of compromise and damage. In fact, 85% of critical infrastructure organizations experienced at least one ransomware attack in 2022, according to Barracuda Networks'
2023 Ransomware Insights Report. These attacks are also becoming more expensive, particularly for smaller electric utilities. One report by security firm ThreatConnect found that a single ransomware attack can cost 31% of a utility's operating income.
Now in its sixth year, the
Utility Cyber Security Forum is focused on providing real-world preparation to utilities and other energy providers for successfully dealing with cyber security threats. Critical precautions and enabling technologies are examined in detail, with the aim of preparing utilities for the threats that confront their unique type of ICS and SCADA infrastructures.
Topics to be addressed include:
- The current status of nation-state level APTs for the energy industry
- Defense-in-depth networking strategies
- Dealing with various protocols in the network (utility protocols, manufacturing protocols, etc.)
- Data protection
- Architecting a network security solution to address cyber threats
- Creating a culture of cyber compliance within a utility
- Holistic approaches to achieving greater network visibility
- Integrating natural gas, oil and pipeline industry as it relates to smart grid, SCADA & control systems security
- Addressing the IT / OT divide
- Protecting substations and distribution and transmission infrastructure from cyber attacks
- Cyber security for operational technologies and smart systems
- Ensuring grid SCADA and PLC grid control networks cyber security
- What works, what doesn't, and what to put in place
- Steps for recovering from an industrial control system cyber breach
- Best practices in reducing human sources of vulnerability
- And more
In-Depth Discussion and Information Sharing: The interactive format of the Forum fosters group discussion among peers of critical challenges and strategies for addressing them successfully
SCADA / Critical Infrastructure Focus: The forum will zero in on issues of special relevance to electric utilities and other energy providers in the U.S. -- versus more general enterprise cyber security topics
Objective & Authoritative: The agenda is driven by practitioners and innovators at U.S. utilities and cyber security companies -- learn directly from the experts on the front lines of utility network security
Ample Networking: The emphasis is on the real-world case studies, best practices, and lessons learned for individuals at investor-owned, municipal, and co-op utility organizations -- ample time is set aside to meet with solution providers and refine your cyber security strategy
Who Should Attend?
- Electric, water and gas utility executives and cybersecurity managers
- Cyber security and IT / OT professionals
- Software and hardware technology providers
- Planning and risk management analysts
- SCADA and industrial control system professionals
- Cyber seccurity consultants and analysts
- Executives at energy management service providers
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