With President Donald J. Trump officially sworn into office, many fret over the impact his term might have on cyber security. Trump has said cyber defense is a persistent and top priority. However if past presidencies are any indication, Trump will be at the mercy of Congress, often reluctant to ensure strict cyber security laws. As a result, industry, particularly utilities, must pick up the slack to bolster critical systems, achieve truly resilient organizations, and keep the government informed.
On Jan. 5, National Intelligence Director James Clapper urged the private sector to “up it’s game on cyber security and not just wait for the government to provide perfect warning or a magic solution.” That will definitely be the case for utilities. While President Barack Obama made headway with his Executive Order Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, it’s not clear how Trump will build on these efforts, and how this will impact government mandates and guidelines for utilities.
Overcoming uncertainty
Now is the time for utilities to overcome uncertainty by sticking to hardline strategy. The recent news of a Vermont utility going on high alert for suspected Russian hacking speaks to the increasing need for high level reporting and response. To up its game and increase overall resilience against cyber threats, utilities will need to rely on solutions providers such as SSS to support mission-critical data communications, and utilize military-grade wireless radios from GE. With this kind of support, utilities will be able to deter threats more aggressively and respond to risks more effectively.
Obama’s key points
A few days before President Obama stepped down, the Presidential Commission issued recommendations for improving cybersecurity. One of its standout points demands that industry encourages Trump to build on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and harmonize regulations with the Cybersecurity Framework to simplify and enhance cybersecurity compliance. In addition, the Commission recommends that industry work to improve the security of IoT devices by creating voluntary standards that can later influence IoT laws, the Commission argues.
These efforts will help utility cybersecurity by providing continuity and regulatory direction. But what is best for utilities will have to come from the industry itself, as grid operators work closely with partners to implement new technology and replicate effective solutions.
- SSS