Cyber Sense Act introduced in Senate

Published on June 28, 2021 by Dave Kovaleski


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A group of U.S. Senators introduced legislation that would create a program at the Department of Energy to test the cybersecurity of products and technologies used in the bulk-power system.

The Cyber Sense Act would not only identify and promote cyber-secure products for use in the bulk-power system, but it would also establish a testing process for the products and identify cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Further, it would require the Secretary of Energy to keep a related database on the products, which will aid electric utilities that are evaluating products. In addition, the bill would direct the Secretary of Energy to consider incentives to encourage the use of the results in the design of products and technologies for use in the bulk-power system.

“As our world becomes more digitized, the need for a strong defense of our nation’s electric infrastructure has never been more clear. And with the recent pandemic forcing us to rely more heavily on technology, it’s no surprise that we are seeing a surge in cyberattacks,” Sen. Jacky Rosen, one of the bill’s sponsors, said. “If we don’t act to address and mitigate cybersecurity risks, our nation will remain vulnerable. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to provide much-needed training and technical assistance to electric utilities to address cybersecurity risks and strengthen our national security.”

Rosen sponsored the bill along with U.S. Sens. John Hoeven (R-ND), Angus King (I-ME), James Risch (R-ID), and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

“Protecting our industry’s supply chain is a top priority for all EEI member electric companies, and addressing dynamic threats requires constant vigilance and coordination that leverage both government and industry resources,” Tom Kuhn, president of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), said. “That is why electric companies work with government partners to share actionable intelligence, deploy state-of-the-art tools, and prepare to respond to incidents that could affect our systems. The Cyber Sense Act would enhance our industry-government partnership by creating a voluntary Department of Energy program to identify and promote cyber-secure products for use in the bulk-power system. The bill also establishes an important testing and reporting process for products determined to have cyber vulnerabilities.”

A companion bill was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this year by U.S. Reps. Bob Latta (R-OH) and Jerry McNerney (D-CA). It passed the House Energy and Commerce Committee this month.

“By utilizing technology to identify and minimize cybersecurity risks, we’re protecting our nation’s critical infrastructure that powers our homes and our economy,” Hoeven said. “Events of the past year have revealed increasing vulnerabilities within our energy infrastructure, and our bipartisan legislation supports efforts to secure our nation’s electric grid.”