Managing Security Operations In A Complex Environment
Fortinet News, Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024
Managing bulk power transmission across a large country involves complex logistical challenges. For example, grid operators need to be able to monitor and maintain an extensive, geographically dispersed network of control stations and substations to ensure maximum uptime while keeping costs under control.
Operators must also ensure the cybersecurity of their distributed networks. As a critical national infrastructure, power grid operators are a prime target for bad actors. With the rise of AI, the range of threats they face is growing in sophistication and frequency.
However, the ongoing trend toward IT/OT convergence makes implementing, managing, and optimizing cybersecurity particularly challenging. By converging IT and OT, grid operators can leverage real-time data from operations technology within IT systems. This integration allows for better decision-making, optimized energy distribution, predictive maintenance, and more. However, this approach can also expose OT systems to cyber risks, as they have historically been isolated from the IT network and external threats.