Welcome to the Intelligent Utility Network roundup, Digital Digest. As always, your fellow network members are paying close attention to digital utility and mobile workforce trends and sharing their insights. This month’s selection includes information about the possibility of Russian cyberattacks, the importance of strong passwords, and more. Be sure to like and comment on your favorite posts. Happy reading!
A Russian Cyberattack Can’t Take Down the Grid. But What Can It Do?
Link to original article: https://energycentral.com/c/iu/russian-cyberattack-can%E2%80%99t-take-down-grid-what-can-it-do
As tensions with Russia increase, professionals across industries, including utilities, are wondering about worst-case scenarios. In this post, Tom Alrich, Supply Chain Cybersecurity Risk Management and NERC CIP-013 Consultant reminds readers that a complete shutdown of the entire U.S. grid is not likely to be one of them. He notes that two cyber threats are more possible: a ransomware attack that takes down the IT network, resulting in the OT network having to be brought down as well, and a software supply chain attack.
U.S. Utilities Should Be on High Alert as Threat of Russian Cyberattack Grows
Link to original article: https://energycentral.com/c/iu/us-utilities-should-be-high-alert-threat-russian-cyberattack-grows
Russian hackers are thought to have caused the Colonial Pipeline hack last spring and are believed capable of much more in response to recent sanctions against Russia. In this piece, Christopher Neely, a journalist at an independent local news organization notes that Russia’s attack on Ukraine has included cyberattacks and the same could happen in the U.S. Accordingly, all U.S. organizations, and especially those — like utilities — that provide critical services, should prioritize cyber security.
Secure Your Passwords Against Cracking
Link to original article: https://energycentral.com/c/iu/secure-your-passwords-against-cracking
While other authentication methods are becoming more commonplace across industries, including utilities, passwords are still very much a part of many technology systems. And given that hackers are becoming more skilled all the time, password strength is more important than ever. Here, with the help of a convincing graphic, Julian Jackson, Writer and Researcher at BrightGreen PR urges readers to improve their cybersecurity with the strongest possible passwords.
Best Practices for a World That No Longer Exists
Link to original article: https://energycentral.com/o/esri/best-practices-world-no-longer-exists
In this article, Pat Hohl, Director of Electric Industry Solutions at Esri points out that habit holds utility workers back from implementing practices that can save money, improve safety, and increase efficiency. For example, why waste time hunting down physical documents when systems are available to deliver instant access to real-time information? Pat offers examples of utility benefits, such as improving contractor workflows and reducing distribution losses, that technology can help create.
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