DOE issues cybersecurity best practices for securing clean energy supply chains – Utility Dive
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The increased priority on security comes as more clean energy supply chains face the threat of a cyberattack.
First published on
The Energy Department’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response developed the guidelines with input from energy automation and industrial control system manufacturers, as well as the Idaho National Laboratory, which specializes in cybersecurity research.
The department lists 10 best practice areas for both suppliers and end users. They include priorities such as maintaining vulnerability management processes for suppliers that follow industry best practices, as well as providing product support, including security patches and mitigations throughout the lifecycle of an end user transaction.
For end users, the department encourages the inclusion of contractual language for “those terms, conditions, and testing requirements that will influence your security outcomes,” and working with suppliers to fully understand and integrate appropriate cybersecurity controls and platforms.
The U.S. is not alone in its boosted efforts related to manufacturing cybersecurity — the issue was discussed among leaders at the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, earlier this month. Officials there committed to “continue discussions” on how to improve cybersecurity resilience in key sectors, including how to improve supply chain security.
“As new digital clean energy technologies are integrated, we must ensure they are cyber secure to prevent destruction or disruption in services,” National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a June 18 White House statement. “The G7 will work to establish a collective cybersecurity framework for operational technologies for both manufacturers and operators.”
The cyber threat to U.S. critical manufacturing is growing. The sector experienced the second highest number of cyberattacks among U.S. industries last year at 218, falling behind only the healthcare sector, according to FBI data. On a global scale, nearly half of critical manufacturers are at risk of a cyberattack, with many organizations lacking visibility into their broader business ecosystems to successfully fend off an attack.
To combat the heightened risk, the Biden administration has taken an increased interest in fortifying U.S. manufacturing and supply chain security. In November, the administration created the White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience, which was formalized earlier this month by executive order.
At the agency level, the DOE has been working with energy distributors in recent months to improve cybersecurity. The department created similar “baselines” in February aimed at improving the security of distribution systems and distributed energy resources.
The department also rolled out $30 million in funding in January to fund research, development and demonstration projects focused on improving the cybersecurity of clean energy resources.
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First Solar and allied solar manufacturers allege that current Chinese export practices threaten U.S. solar, while another camp of solar companies say the trade case itself is a threat.
“We're focusing on squeezing every amp that we possibly can out of the existing lines that we have,” Dominion Energy’s Matthew Gardner said at a White House forum.
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Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts
First Solar and allied solar manufacturers allege that current Chinese export practices threaten U.S. solar, while another camp of solar companies say the trade case itself is a threat.
“We're focusing on squeezing every amp that we possibly can out of the existing lines that we have,” Dominion Energy’s Matthew Gardner said at a White House forum.
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This article was autogenerated from a news feed from CDO TIMES selected high quality news and research sources. There was no editorial review conducted beyond that by CDO TIMES staff. Need help with any of the topics in our articles? Schedule your free CDO TIMES Tech Navigator call today to stay ahead of the curve and gain insider advantages to propel your business!
In partnership with
In partnership with
The increased priority on security comes as more clean energy supply chains face the threat of a cyberattack.
First published on
The Energy Department’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response developed the guidelines with input from energy automation and industrial control system manufacturers, as well as the Idaho National Laboratory, which specializes in cybersecurity research.
The department lists 10 best practice areas for both suppliers and end users. They include priorities such as maintaining vulnerability management processes for suppliers that follow industry best practices, as well as providing product support, including security patches and mitigations throughout the lifecycle of an end user transaction.
For end users, the department encourages the inclusion of contractual language for “those terms, conditions, and testing requirements that will influence your security outcomes,” and working with suppliers to fully understand and integrate appropriate cybersecurity controls and platforms.
The U.S. is not alone in its boosted efforts related to manufacturing cybersecurity — the issue was discussed among leaders at the G7 Summit in Apulia, Italy, earlier this month. Officials there committed to “continue discussions” on how to improve cybersecurity resilience in key sectors, including how to improve supply chain security.
“As new digital clean energy technologies are integrated, we must ensure they are cyber secure to prevent destruction or disruption in services,” National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in a June 18 White House statement. “The G7 will work to establish a collective cybersecurity framework for operational technologies for both manufacturers and operators.”
The cyber threat to U.S. critical manufacturing is growing. The sector experienced the second highest number of cyberattacks among U.S. industries last year at 218, falling behind only the healthcare sector, according to FBI data. On a global scale, nearly half of critical manufacturers are at risk of a cyberattack, with many organizations lacking visibility into their broader business ecosystems to successfully fend off an attack.
To combat the heightened risk, the Biden administration has taken an increased interest in fortifying U.S. manufacturing and supply chain security. In November, the administration created the White House Council on Supply Chain Resilience, which was formalized earlier this month by executive order.
At the agency level, the DOE has been working with energy distributors in recent months to improve cybersecurity. The department created similar “baselines” in February aimed at improving the security of distribution systems and distributed energy resources.
The department also rolled out $30 million in funding in January to fund research, development and demonstration projects focused on improving the cybersecurity of clean energy resources.
Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts
First Solar and allied solar manufacturers allege that current Chinese export practices threaten U.S. solar, while another camp of solar companies say the trade case itself is a threat.
“We're focusing on squeezing every amp that we possibly can out of the existing lines that we have,” Dominion Energy’s Matthew Gardner said at a White House forum.
Subscribe to Utility Dive for top news, trends & analysis
Get the free daily newsletter read by industry experts
First Solar and allied solar manufacturers allege that current Chinese export practices threaten U.S. solar, while another camp of solar companies say the trade case itself is a threat.
“We're focusing on squeezing every amp that we possibly can out of the existing lines that we have,” Dominion Energy’s Matthew Gardner said at a White House forum.
The free newsletter covering the top industry headlines
This article was autogenerated from a news feed from CDO TIMES selected high quality news and research sources. There was no editorial review conducted beyond that by CDO TIMES staff. Need help with any of the topics in our articles? Schedule your free CDO TIMES Tech Navigator call today to stay ahead of the curve and gain insider advantages to propel your business!
