Critical infrastructure may become the target of serious cybersecurity threats. The recent alerts issued by the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reflect the Russian government’s actions against U.S. government entities and energy, nuclear, commercial facilities, water, aviation, and key manufacturing organizations.
According to the publication, Russian government cyber actors launched a multi-stage intrusion campaign targeting the networks of small business facilities, cell phone jammer, where they released malware, conducted spear phishing, and remotely accessed the energy sector network . After gaining access, these network participants conducted network reconnaissance, moved laterally, and collected information about industrial control systems (ICS).
The grid infrastructure is one of these goals that must be protected. The United States is in the midst of a wave of power grid modernization based on smart grid technology to adapt to new energy generation and new energy needs. However, as more grid components are connected to the Internet, concerns about cyber attacks may slow the progress of smart grids.
The smart grid promises to provide multiple benefits to utility providers and customers, from enhanced monitoring and data collection to improved reliability, availability, and efficiency. Utility providers are now building an integrated system consisting of smart meters, wireless and wired communication systems, and data management platforms. Utility providers need to increase the connectivity of distributed systems in order to take advantage of smart grid technology.
However, the increase in cyber threats has triggered a policy debate in the United States, reflecting the potential confusion about how elected officials and policy makers can best advance the development of U.S. infrastructure in the era of cybercrime.