Recently, challenges to the security of cyber control systems that operate the nation’s civilian critical electric power infrastructure have been brought to light by the government and media alike. While use of advanced networked-computing technologies can deliver significant tangible benefits for both operating and financial efficiencies, such benefits can only be realized if cyber security is appreciated as an enabling prerequisite. New strategic efforts are now underway aimed at markedly improving both the functional sophistication and cyber security of control systems throughout the electric infrastructure.

The Cyber Security of T&D Control Systems Assets Super Session initially will overview basic concepts, issues, and means for securing networked control systems used for grid management, to set the stage for deeper treatment of needs, directions, and emerging state-of-the-art technologies for securely operating the grid of the future – from generation, to transmission and distribution, to advanced metering infrastructure. In addition, this session will highlight R&D and proof-of-concept initiatives now afoot, identify areas where additional work is needed, and report on the current status of industry standards development activities aimed at guiding improvements to electric sector control systems security.

Dave Norton, CISSP, policy consultant – Critical Infrastructure Protection, Entergy Transmission will lead the panel on Wednesday, April 21, 1 p.m.– 3 p.m.

Questions and comments from the audience will be encouraged.

PANELISTS:

• Jeff Dagle, PE, Chief Electrical Engineer, Energy Technology Development, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
• Keith Stouffer, Manager, Industrial Control Systems Security Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology
• Darren Reece Highfill, Security Architect, Southern California Edison