Energy Department invests $34 million to protect power grid from cyber attacks

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) earmarked more than $34 million for two projects Oct. 9 that will protect the U.S. electrical grid and oil and natural gas infrastructure from cyber attacks.

With the funding, the University of Arkansas and the University of Illinois will work with utilities and energy delivery system operators to deliver a final product to the energy sector.

This investment is indicative of the Obama administration’s position that strong cybersecurity technologies and practices play a vital role in creating a power grid that is both reliable and secure.

“Cybersecurity is one of the most serious challenges facing grid modernization, which is why maintaining a robust, ever-growing pipeline of cutting-edge technologies is essential to helping the energy sector continue adapting to the evolving landscape,” Patricia Hoffman, assistant secretary for DOE’s Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, said.

"To meet this challenge, Hoffman said the United States must continue investing in innovative, next-generation technologies that can be transitioned to the energy sector in order to reduce the risk of a power disruption resulting from a cyber attack."