Norma Krayem is a Senior Policy Advisor in the Washington D.C. office

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) continues to focus on cybersecurity risks in key areas like Smart Grid and Smart Cities. NIST kicks off a two day workshop from Nov. 13-14, 2018, focusing on key issues around Smart Grid and cybersecurity risks. The quick implementation of Smart Grid over the years has brought technological reforms and efficiencies to the energy grid, yet at the same time, cybersecurity risks have accelerated more quickly and Internet of Things (IoT) cyber risk continues to challenge the industry. In 2014, NIST released its Cybersecurity Framework which was updated in April 2018.

NIST is focusing on the nexus of cyber risk and Smart Grid issues as well as the advent of distributed energy resources (DER) technology that also brings cybersecurity risk if not managed well. The two day event hosted by NIST includes a discussion on the new draft of the NIST Smart Grid Cybersecurity Framework which focuses on taking concepts in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and specifically applying it to the risks associated with Smart Grid. The report states: "Despite the considerable benefits of the future grid, many aspects of the Smart Grid have cybersecurity risks that need to be considered to ensure a safe, effective grid transformation. The modern grid should be safe, reliable and resilient. A resilient grid has to be able to withstand not just hazards, human errors, hardware failure, and software bugs, but also cyber events as well."

The NIST Smart Grid Conceptual Model includes seven different components including the role of the markets, operations, service providers, transmission, distribution, generation including DER components and the connectivity to the customer. Many of these concepts also interrelate to the varying aspects of Smart Cities and the role of technological reform and cyber risk. NIST and DHS have focused on the role of "Smart and Secure Cities" as well, identifying ways to add in cybersecurity protections as cities around the country implement new "smart" technologies. They recently held another two-day workshop on Oct. 29-30, 2018, focusing on key issues including the role of Smart Grid and other sectors including transportation as well as a broader discussion about cybersecurity risks to the Internet of Things Smart City Framework (IES).

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