The Department of Information Resources (DIR) – in collaboration with Texas Tech University’s Global Laboratory for Energy Asset Management and Manufacturing (GLEAMM) has launched a new training course to better protect and harden cybersecurity for critical energy infrastructure.
The Cybersecurity Essentials for the Electrical Grid course will provide critical workforce with insights into emerging cybersecurity threats, best practices for risk mitigation and methods for integrating cybersecurity measures into critical infrastructure technologies. Launching this course represents the state’s ongoing efforts to increase system resilience, equipping power and energy providers with the resources and skills needed to secure tools and infrastructure needed to keep the lights on.
In recent years, Texas has become a beacon for cyberattacks, affecting essential utilities ranging from water systems to power generation facilities. Foreign malicious actors have attempted attacks with varying success on the Texas power grid, citing efforts to disrupt critical communications, steal sensitive data and weaken power reliability and trade networks.
As Texas develops as both a national and global powerhouse, energy providers need to be prepared to combat an ever-evolving cyberthreat landscape bent on targeting essential utilities and infrastructure. The training course will ensure energy providers can effectively protect their systems, elevating reliability and resiliency measures for energy management across all categories, including generation, production, delivery and consumption.
The four-hour course is available online at no cost. It is designed around combining best practices for cybersecurity with grid-specific applications and real-world situations. Unique modules featured in the training cover:
- Cryptography and Authentication.
- Security Tools and Mitigation Techniques.
- Network and Cloud Security.
- Cybersecurity Frameworks.
- Case Studies.
The developers included real-world examples of impactful cyberattacks to help refine and guide the training process. Once completed, users will have the skills and knowledge needed to comply with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework and may obtain a North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP) certification.
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