Securing the Future: Why a Layered Approach is Key to End-to-End Protection
According to Check Point, the U.S. utilities industry experienced a 234% increase in cyberattacks in the third quarter of 2024, averaging 1,339 attacks per week. While all cyberattacks are of serious concern, those targeting utilities strike at the heart of critical infrastructure, which can directly impact personal safety and endanger communities. Because of this, security is top of mind for utility companies as they strive to deliver essential services such as clean water, reliable power, and energy without interruption to communities across the U.S.
An Increasingly Connected Grid
Modern utilities are becoming more connected than ever. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the current electrical grid is made up of millions of devices physically connected and linked by control systems. With a range of technologies like IoT devices, smart meters, rugged mobile solutions, and advanced control systems, utility companies can enhance efficiency, improve service reliability, and better manage their systems.
However, this increased connectivity also introduces new vulnerabilities, creating potential entry points for cyber threats within the grid. Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, which serve as the primary monitoring and controlling system for lots of utility companies, are particularly vulnerable. Many of these systems were designed decades ago when cybersecurity was not a primary concern, leaving them exposed to attacks if not adequately secured.
A Layered Cybersecurity Approach
To address the challenges that an increasingly connected grid poses, utility companies must implement a layered security framework combining hardware, software, and services. This comprehensive approach ensures that vulnerabilities are mitigated at every level, reducing the risk of cyberattacks and safeguarding this critical infrastructure.
- Hardware: Hardware-based security measures, such as mobile rugged solutions with advanced security certifications, encryption capabilities, and tamper-proof components, provide foundational protection against potential threats. These solutions secure the physical layer of the grid, ensuring that even if a device is compromised, attackers cannot access broader systems. Designed with removable hard drives, encrypted OPAL SSDs, and a wide range of additional accessories like cable locks and fingerprint and smartcard readers to authenticate user access, these tools ensure strict physical and digital protection, enhancing overall system security.
- Software: Robust software solutions play a critical role in identifying and neutralizing potential threats. These tools provide real-time monitoring and automated responses to suspicious activity, reducing the risk of breaches and limiting their impact. For example, cybersecurity software platforms can help utility companies monitor the health and safety of the firmware on field service technicians’ endpoint devices. With software platforms like this, utilities can keep up with and protect all endpoint devices in the field, servers, and networks. They can also help lower hardware costs by eliminating the need to replace devices that have been compromised.
- Services: Continuous monitoring and professional services act as the final layer of defense for utility companies, providing oversight and expertise to detect and respond to emerging threats. Regular system audits, vulnerability assessments, and timely updates ensure security measures remain effective against evolving threats. Staying ahead of bad actors requires a proactive approach that anticipates vulnerabilities before they are exploited. Utility companies need to find the right partners to work with to create tailored services to meet the unique needs of utility cybersecurity.
Building a Secure Future for Critical Services
The stakes for securing critical utility infrastructure have never been higher. A layered approach to security – integrating hardware, software, and services – is no longer optional. Protecting the utilities that provide essential everyday services to communities across the U.S. requires collaboration, investment, and forward-thinking strategies.
By taking a proactive and holistic approach to security, utility companies can ensure the resilience and reliability of the services that millions of people depend on daily.
