Security Integration for Electric System Assets [abstract]

Abstract

Challenges within the utilities servicing customers with electric power are faced with an evolving landscape of security requirements. Regardless of the issuing body, security regulations and/or standards offer a unique challenge to utilities in terms of design of security controls and more importantly the overall integration of each control within an operational environment that remains sensible in terms of day-to-day usage and overall cost. Security projects are becoming less about technology and gizmos and more about the business of incorporating key event data from security controls into a coherent and intelligent manner. Companies choosing to focus on cameras and access card readers rather than on integrated solutions are faced with higher overall maintenance costs, costly management, and in many cases poorly designed solutions failing to meet the basic vulnerabilities originally identified. This course will discuss the issues presented above by examining the following topics: 1. What are the current regulations and/or standards requiring security controls for electric system assets? 2. What are the common vulnerabilities for electric system assets? 3. What are the prevailing security solutions for these vulnerabilities? 4. What are the steps necessary for building an integrated security program for addressing vulnerabilities and responding to critical events? 5. What has been proven successful in the industry?