In the United States, oil and electric companies are particularly susceptible to cyber threats like unethical hacking, compromised networks, and more. Though there are technologies designed to stop these threats before they start, many energy companies remain vulnerable.
Why the Energy Industries Are Under Attack
The most common cyber threats faced by utility companies are data theft and fraud. Utility companies are a particularly ripe target because of the widespread impact that results from these attacks.
Efforts to Reduce Energy-Related Cyber Attacks
The Department of Energy's Office of Cyber Security Energy Security and Emergency Response unveiled its initiative designed to protect the United States energy system, focusing on three key areas: addressing supply chain security vulnerabilities, increasing protection from electromagnetic interference, and cultivating the next generation of cybersecurity experts.
Stopping Future Threats
One of the biggest barriers to progress is utility companies' use of legacy technology. Overhauling systems is time-consuming and costly--one estimate put a complete system overhaul at $100 million. Network upgrades offer a technology-driven solution that can spot weaknesses via remote monitoring.