Presenter: David Williams
Room: Ballroom, EMU 244, Level 2
Presentation: Operational Technology (OT) Cybersecurity in Electricity Generation.
Time: 10:30a – 11:00a

Synopsis: Presidential Policy Directive 21 (PPD-21) identifies 16 critical infrastructure sectors. Within that group of 16 sectors, the energy sector plays an important role. As the U.S. Department of Homeland Security notes, “Presidential Policy Directive 21 identifies the Energy Sector as uniquely critical because it provides an “enabling function” across all critical infrastructure sectors.” This presentation will describe the unique challenges facing a cybersecurity practitioner working with the power grid. The intent is to promote a thought-provoking discussion on the following:

• What the electricity grid looks like to a generator based in Oregon.
• Regulatory compliance: Where doing the minimum is not enough.
• What it looks like to lose electricity due to a cyber event.
• Cybersecurity as an insurance policy. Objectives Met: Power grid or other critical infrastructure. Risk to and from IT or OT connections. Threats to IT and OT for individuals and institutions relating to ransomware, safety, physical security, and other areas and how to defend against them.