Improve protection with a layered security approach

BY ERIC BYRES, Belden Inc.

An age-old joke in the North American power industry states that if Alexander Graham Bell walked in the room today, he would not recognize the telephone, the technology, or its business model. However, if Thomas Edison walked in, he would still understand the current state of electricity and power generation and distribution. Utility engineers have one of the hardest jobs in the world: delivering safe, reliable power, at all times—and that does not mean just keeping the lights on by protecting against extreme weather or failed equipment.

Engineers must also constantly worry about meeting security requirements designed to protect maintained equipment: the power grid and all its assets. The truth—and problem—with the Edison joke is that not many changes have occurred in the power and utility industry as far as the equipment goes.