Security report says power grid susceptible to cyberattacks

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

The national power grid could be targeted by cyberattacks unless utility and transmission companies develop smart grid technologies with tighter network security standards, a new report says.

The grid is open to attacks from cyberterrorists who could use malicious code, buffer overflows and protocol tampering to cause blackouts, according to the report by a network security company.

Digital smart grid technologies and the development of security standards to guard against cyberattacks are required, something that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is spending $10 million to accomplish.

The grid is operated by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), which is working with utilities to develop reliability and security standards. NERC posted a standards interpretation last week at the request of Manitoba Hydro.

According to NERC, the company has developed a reliability standards development procedure, but “the success of the NERC standards development process depends on stakeholder participation,” the company said. “We extend our thanks to all those who participate."

The security company presented its report findings to the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security last week.

View more news