Regulators tightening controls on devices connecting to utility company networks
U.S. regulators are cracking down on the cybersecurity risks to the electric grid posed by everyday electronics like laptops and flash drives. A ruling issued last week by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission requires utilities to implement security controls on portable devices that interact with “low-impact” systems, or ones that utilities deem less critical. FERC also ordered the revision of power reliability standards “to mitigate the risk of malicious code” stemming from the devices. The move comes as the Department of Homeland Security has warned that Russian government hackers have their sights on U.S. energy firms, and as Congress readies legislation to secure the grid. Observers say FERC’s tightening of security controls further down the grid could shake up how large portions of the sector approach cybersecurity. Daniel Skees, a lawyer who represents utilities before FERC, said the new ruling amounts to a “sea change” for utilities because it will […]
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