Cyber vulnerabilities and threats across the utility landscape are the focus of a new National Regulatory Research Institute research paper. The report aims help regulators understand the threats, while explaining how utilities can minimize and assess costs associated with mitigation strategies.

In the NRRI Insights paper, “Understanding Cyber Attacks and Available Cybersecurity Technologies,” authors Karen Wayland, Peter Fischer and Chuck Louisell describe how various technologies that produce and transmit data through connections to the grid create increased cybersecurity vulnerabilities.  The growing connectivity between the grid and customer devices increases cybersecurity vulnerabilities, and broadens the threat landscape by expanding the number of potential entry points through which malicious cyberattacks can be launched.

“Cyber threats to the grid are increasing at a rapid pace,” said NRRI Director Carl Pechman, PhD. “This paper will help regulators to understand the kinds of threats the utility industry is facing and the potential methods for protecting against them.”

NRRI is the research arm of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners. NRRI Insights provides a forum that gives readers information about and insight into new ideas, questions, and policy positions affecting the regulatory community. This Insights paper is available for download from the NARUC website at bit.ly/NRRICyberInsights.