National Regulatory Research Institute issues new report in cyberthreats

The National Regulatory Research Institute (NRRI) released a report that seeks to regulators understand the various cyber vulnerabilities and threats and how utilities can minimize their impact.

The paper, entitled “Understanding Cyber Attacks and Available Cybersecurity Technologies,” describes how various technologies that produce and transmit data through connections to the grid create increased cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Also, it examines how the growing connectivity between the grid and customer devices increases cybersecurity vulnerabilities and broadens the threat landscape by expanding the number of potential entry points through which cyberattacks can be launched.

The paper’s authors, Karen Wayland, Peter Fischer, and Chuck Louisell, wrote that the frequency and potency of attacks on utility systems are increasing. They cited a recent survey that found that 56 percent of utilities experienced at least one attack in the past year that resulted in either the loss of data or an outage.

“Cyber threats to the grid are increasing at a rapid pace,” NRRI Director Carl Pechman said. “This paper will help regulators to understand the kinds of threats the utility industry is facing and the potential methods for protecting against them.”

NRRI is the research arm of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.