5 April 2024
The US Department of Energy (DOE) unveiled a significant initiative on Thursday, announcing a $15 million funding allocation to bolster electric power cybersecurity research and education programs across six university-based centers. The aim is to fortify energy security and address the escalating challenges posed by evolving technologies in the energy sector.
In a statement, Puesh M. Kumar, Director of the Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response, emphasised the strategic importance of this investment. He highlighted the dual objectives of expanding the US cyber workforce and enhancing expertise to counter emerging cyber threats targeting the nation’s energy systems.
The funding will empower the selected universities—The University of Connecticut, Iowa State University, the University of Pittsburgh, the Illinois Institute of Technology, Texas Tech University, and Florida International University—to collaborate closely with energy sector stakeholders and the DOE’s National Laboratories. Together, they will delve into regional electricity systems, infrastructure networks, and workforce capabilities to bolster cybersecurity resilience.
The initiative underscores the growing significance and complexity of cybersecurity in the energy domain, particularly with the proliferation of digitised operational technologies (OTs). These OTs have become prime targets for malicious actors exploiting vulnerabilities arising from digitalisation.
By fostering partnerships between academia, industry, and government agencies, the DOE aims to nurture a robust cybersecurity ecosystem capable of safeguarding critical energy infrastructure. The investment reflects a commitment to advancing both economic and national security interests through cutting-edge research and the cultivation of a highly skilled cyber workforce.
