Utility Reduces Security Risks with Thorough Assessment

Reliability and security are cornerstones of the utility industry. But as the grid becomes intelligent, it can also become susceptible to cyber attacks that can damage operational integrity. And utilities need to be prepared. For a mid-Atlantic utility, preparation took the form of security consulting services from Verizon aimed at a hardened security posture and operational compliance with NERC CIP standards. Specifically, the company realized they needed to get a handle on their electronic perimeter, as well as a generation management system (GMS) application. Satisfying these needs began with a thorough current state assessment of the network infrastructure, including both administrative and grid components, as well as mission-critical energy management applications. A Case Study by Verizon