WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Recently, the Internet Security Alliance (ISA) released Social Contract 3.0: Implementing a Market-Based Model for Cybersecurity at its 15th Anniversary Conference. Written by experts from a variety of industries, including Utilidata CEO Scott DePasquale, the book seeks to provide a systemic framework for collaborative action on cybersecurity, integrating public policy and economics. The book is intended to serve as a guide for policymakers from both sides of the aisle, proposing practical solutions to the very real cyber threats facing America.
Mr. Scott DePasquale, also an ISA board member, authored the chapter focused on ‘Cybersecurity in the Power Utility Sector’, addressing the challenges associated with protecting an electric grid that is increasingly connected and difficult to defend.
“The hack of Ukraine’s power grid that resulted in a blackout affecting 225,000 customers was a game changing attack that sets a threatening precedent for the security of the U.S. power grid.” said DePasquale. “Protecting the power delivery system is one of the greatest challenges facing our industry today, and while we’re working on innovations in technology to better protect the grid, it is also essential that we enhance public-private partnerships and coordinate across industries to drive policies that keep pace with the digital revolution.”
Recommendations to mitigate risks within the power utility sector include, among others, enhanced information sharing between utilities and the Federal Government, reforming the clearance attainment process for private sector executives, and encouraging public-private collaboration to manage the risks that can be posed by the introduction of third-party vendors.
"Cyber-threats represent real-world impacts," said Bernie Cowens, vice president and Chief Security Officer, Pacific Gas and Electric Company. "Addressing them requires public-private sector engagement that is highly coordinated, strategic and unwavering. In this document, the ISA addresses a number of the key challenges facing our industry, particularly in gathering and sharing information. It highlights what we all must do together to strengthen the country's response to cyber-threats."
More information about the ISA’s Social Contract 3.0: Implementing a Market-Based Model for Cybersecurity is available at www.isalliance.org/cybersecurity-social-contract.
About Utilidata:
Utilidata®, Inc. is a global software company that works with electric utilities to enhance energy efficiency and grid security. The company’s patented technology captures real-time data from the grid giving utilities information needed to save energy, mitigate issues caused by distributed energy resources, and better detect grid anomalies. With major clients including American Electric Power, National Grid, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Utilidata is backed by leading venture capital firms and is expanding across North America and the Middle East. The company has a world-class production, research and development facility at its headquarters in Providence, RI. For more information, please visit utilidata.com or follow @Utilidata on Twitter.
About the Internet Security Alliance
The Internet Security Alliance (ISA) is a trade association with members from virtually every critical industry sector. ISA's mission is to integrate advanced technology with economics and public policy to create a sustainable system of cyber security. ISA pursues three goals: thought leadership, policy advocacy and promoting sound security practices. ISA's "Cybersecurity Social Contract” has been embraced as the model for government policy by both Republicans and Democrats. ISA also developed the Cyber Risk Handbook for the National Association of Corporate Directors. For more information about ISA, please visit www.isalliance.org or 703-907-7090.
