WCA March 2018

From the Americas

Zpryme, a research and consulting firm with a focus on energy, accepts the consensus view that artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain and grid edge technologies are key to building an electric grid that is distributed, consumer-orientated, and more resilient than the current USA electric grid. However, the Austin, Texas-based firm points out that policymakers, regulators and the utility industry need to address the cybersecurity risks that come with a 21 st century grid that will become increasingly more data-centric than electron-centric. As reported in the company’s newsletter, ETS Insights , a recent Zypryme survey of 140 North American electric utilities found that 88 per cent of respondents expect cyberattacks to increase over the next two to three years. But only 11 per cent believe their real-time operations are secure. Anticipating an increased focus on cybersecurity in the electric industry, Jason S Rodriguez, CEO and co-founder of Zpryme, wrote that he expects the following five trends to characterise USA grid modernisation efforts this year (“2018 Cybersecurity Trends in Energy,” 28 th November): 1 “White hats unite”: As hacker sophistication increases, the electric industry must also evolve its cyber-defence capabilities. This year, the utility industry will step up its recruitment of hackers to detect and enable faster response times to cyberattacks. 2 End-to-end detection and response: Detection and response will become an enterprise-wide effort. Management and employees at all levels of the organisation will be trained to defend and respond to cyberattacks. This will include rigorous public relations and communications planning to inform staff how to proactively engage with the media and social media once a breach has occurred. 3 Rise of the chief information security officer (CISO): In 2018, this C-level position will become key at utilities deploying advanced grid technologies. The CISO will be held accountable for the effectiveness of defence and rapid response to cyberattacks. 4 Data and access prioritisation: Utilities will assess and rank the value of their systems and technologies on the basis of the value of data to potential threats. In addition, stricter user-access protocols will be initiated to limit access to critical systems. 5 The formation of organised electric grid hacker groups: Driven by political ideology, 2018 will see the onset of hackers attacking the grid for political motives. The current political climate has created an opening for hackers to quickly claim a victory by disrupting the USA electric grid.  Mr Rodriguez quoted Thomas A Fanning of Southern Company (Atlanta, Georgia) on the subject of cyberterrorism directed toward energy infrastructure. Terming the threat “existential”, the chairman and CEO of the second-largest USA utility in terms of customer base said, “Nation states in particular or a very well- organised splinter group could try and take down the electricity grid and really interfere with American commerce and our fundamental way of life.”

Telecom In a period of renewed tensions between the two countries, Cuba suddenly lifts its prohibition on texting to the United States As reported from Havana by Agence France-Presse (AFP), the Cuban telecommunications monopoly Etecsa has authorised cellphone users in Cuba to send text messages to the USA, lifting a restriction which has long frustrated the Cuban population. “From 8 th December 2017, you will be able to send text messages from any mobile phone internationally to any mobile phone in the United States,” the firm said on its website. It stressed that the US$0.60 charge for sending the messages is “similar to [that for] other international destinations.” Government limitations on Internet access in Cuba has meant that web-based phone and messaging services are unavailable to the public. With more than two million Cubans living abroad, principally in the United States, the absence of a direct messaging service has been a long-time grievance. After the historic reconciliation between Cuba and the USA in February 2015, during the Barack Obama presidency, Washington eased the embargo that had been in place against Cuba since 1962. American telecommunications companies were free to sell their services there, and IDT Domestic Telecom seized the opportunity. The New Jersey-based provider reached an agreement with Etecsa which led to the first direct telecommunications connection between Cuba and the USA. Bent on reversing his predecessor’s liberalising initiatives, US president Donald Trump in November announced economic sanctions on Cuba and new restrictions on American travellers to the island. Hence, as noted by AFP, Cuba’s apparently conciliatory decision to permit text messaging to the USA comes at time of renewed tensions between the two countries. In particular, relations have deteriorated over mysterious “acoustic attacks” alleged to have been directed against diplomats posted to the United States embassy in Havana. Over 20 embassy personnel have fallen victim to seemingly sonic-based ailments, such as hearing loss. To date, no scientific evidence has emerged as to the cause of the health problems. But, in September, the US State Department reduced the number of embassy personnel by half, suspended visa processing, and expelled over a dozen diplomats from the Cuban embassy in Washington.

Dorothy Fabian Features Editor

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Wire & Cable ASIA – March/April 2018