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Columbia Energy Exchange

The Cybersecurity Stakes of the Energy Transition

Dec 3, 2024
Harry Krejsa, Director of Studies at the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology, discusses critical cybersecurity challenges in the clean energy transition. He highlights increasing vulnerabilities as energy systems become more digital and interconnected, raising concerns over potential attacks from adversaries like China and Russia. Krejsa emphasizes the need for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, including AI's role in enhancing defenses and the importance of public-private partnerships to protect critical infrastructure.
52:56

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Quick takeaways

  • The digitization of clean energy systems significantly increases vulnerability to cyberattacks from state actors, particularly from nations like China.
  • Effectively addressing cybersecurity risks in the energy transition requires enhanced public-private partnerships and robust regulations tailored to larger stakeholders.

Deep dives

The Dangers of Cyber Attacks on Critical Infrastructure

The increased digitization and interconnectivity of clean energy systems make them more vulnerable to cyber attacks, particularly from state actors like China. The FBI has indicated that Chinese hackers are infiltrating critical infrastructure in the U.S., posing significant risks to essential services. This vulnerability is compounded as the energy transition progresses, as smarter grids and automated systems can be exploited. Elevated threats are underscored by assertions from U.S. national security leaders that hackers are pre-positioning disruptive capabilities on American systems.

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