Cyber Security in the Electrical Energy Sector

This research is an overview of the electrical power sector in the United States. One of the most significant critical industries in the United States is electrical generation and distribution. Numerous critical sectors are incredibly dependent upon the availability of electrical power to function. Significant storage of electrical power is not feasible, and as a result, real-time supply adjustments make it possible to satisfy variable demands of the power consumers. The constant change of electrical supply is made possible by industrial control systems that monitor the generation, transmission, and consumption of electricity. Electrical generation organizations must carefully monitor the supply of electricity and match it to the demand. Electrical power generation relies upon computer-controlled automated industrial control systems. The electrical sector is an attractive target to the adversaries of the United States. Physical and cyber attacks upon the electrical infrastructure can cause cascading failures over a large area, and the failures will significantly impact other critical sectors. Disabling or interrupting the electrical supply can damage the economy, security, and well-being of the Nation. Understanding the complexity, weaknesses, and threats facing the electrical sector is vital in providing solutions that protect this critical infrastructure from harm.