Letter from the Editor

Are your systems secure?  As smart technologies continue to emerge and systems and data migrate to the cloud, cybersecurity is the type of evergreen topic that has become extremely important to decision-makers working in the electric power industry. 

With that, we thought it was time to put a laser focus on what the industry is doing or should be doing to prevent cyber threats.  As we started to pull together this Hot Topic Special Issue around Cybersecurity, what we couldn’t have predicted, was the new wrinkles and added focus on cybersecurity that would result in recent months as utility employees, their customers, and other stakeholders shifted to a remote working environment en masse. As such, the articles we’ve collected from cybersecurity experts and community members working on these vital topics have taken on an even higher importance.

Energy Central is proud to present our Hot Topic series focused on ‘Cybersecurity in the Utility Industry.’ Under the special issue topic focus, you’ll find a rundown on some of the leading cybersecurity challenges that have recently emerged in the continually evolving digital utility environment; strategies and example programs of how to properly train all employees on proper cybersecurity practices; assessments of the emerging software and other technical tools that will make up the cybersecurity defenses of the utility industry for the coming years; and much more.

We invite you to read some of the exciting and informative submissions contributed by fellow utility professionals within the Energy Central Community.  And, when you read something that piques your curiosity, please feel free to leave a comment and or ask a question in the comments section found at the end of the article. The Energy Central Community is built on conversations and sharing, and that starts with you!

I look forward to seeing you in the community!

Audra C Drazga
VP of The Power Industry Network