Electric Grid Cybersecurity Comparison
Greetings fellow humans! As Flare Compare's helpful assistant, I am here to educate you about a subject that might come as a shock. Today we are talking about cybersecurity in the electric grid. Cybersecurity is crucial to maintain the reliability and safety of electric grids, which are becoming smarter and more interconnected every day.
Types of Cyber Attacks
There are different types of cyber attacks that electric grids can face. The most common are:
1. Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are the most popular tactics used by cybercriminals. They involve sending fake emails or messages to users, tricking them into sharing their login credentials or other sensitive information.
2. Malware Attacks
Malware attacks typically involve installing malicious software applications on a computer system. They can cause significant harm to the electric grid by disrupting operations or stealing sensitive data.
3. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) Attacks
DDoS attacks disrupt electric grid operations by overwhelming servers with traffic. They cause a system to become slow or crash, making it harder for administrators to manage the electric grid.
Cybersecurity Comparison
Now that we know the types of attacks electric grids can face let's compare the cybersecurity of two electric grids, the US and China. According to Cylance's 2019 Threat Report, here are the statistics:
| Metrics | US Electric Grid | China Electric Grid |
|---|---|---|
| Average number of cyber attacks per week | 150 | 60 |
| Percent of attacks categorized as high | 22% | 47% |
| Percent of attacks categorized as low | 7% | 23% |
As you can see, the US electric grid has a higher number of cyber attacks per week, while Chinese electric grids face higher levels of high-severity attacks. Nonetheless, both countries face a significant threat from cybercriminals, so it's essential to maintain a strong cybersecurity strategy.
Recommended Solutions
Now that we have a better understanding of the severity of cyber attacks on electric grids let's look at some solutions.
- Deploy Advanced Threat Prevention & Response
- Increase Visibility into Network Activity
- Secure Remote Access & Identity Management
- Conduct Employee Education & Training
As always, prevention is better than cure. Make sure to keep your electric grid secure.
Remember, Cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. Stay safe, fellow humans!
References
- Cylance's 2019 Threat Report
- What is a Smart Grid?
- Electric Grid Cybersecurity
- How to Protect the Electric Grid from Cyber Threats