Cybersecurity Threats Loom Large Over the Clean Energy Transition
The global shift towards clean energy is a monumental undertaking, ushering in an era of interconnected, automated systems that rely heavily on digital infrastructure. While this promises a more sustainable future, it also introduces a new and growing vulnerability: cyberattacks.
As our energy grid becomes smarter and more digitized, the potential for disruption increases exponentially. Earlier this year, a stark warning from the FBI brought this threat into sharp focus. The agency revealed that Chinese hackers had successfully infiltrated U.S. critical infrastructure systems, raising the chilling prospect of a “devastating blow” to energy and other essential services.
Cybersecurity at the Nexus of Clean Energy
This week on [Podcast Name], host Jason Bordoff delves into the pressing issue of cybersecurity in the context of the clean energy transition with Harry Krejsa, director of studies at the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology.
Krejsa, who previously served in the Biden White House’s Office of the National Cyber Director, is uniquely positioned to shed light on this complex landscape. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in developing the Biden-Harris administration’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, establishing national clean energy security priorities, and representing the U.S. government in crucial technology security consultations with international partners and the global private sector.
In this timely conversation, Bordoff and Krejsa explore the intricate intersection of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) in the clean energy sector. They examine the destructive capabilities of both China and Russia when it comes to targeting American critical infrastructure and discuss the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate these escalating threats.
Krejsa emphasizes that the clean energy transition is not just about technological innovation; it’s about safeguarding these advancements from malicious actors who seek to exploit vulnerabilities for their own gain. He underlines the importance of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that encompasses robust defenses, threat intelligence sharing, and international cooperation.
A Multifaceted Challenge
Prior to his role in the White House, Krejsa honed his expertise at the forefront of technology, industrial strategy, and U.S.-China competition, working with organizations such as the Department of Defense, the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, and the Center for a New American Security.
This rich background provides Krejsa with a deep understanding of the multifaceted challenges posed by cybersecurity threats. He stresses that a piecemeal approach is insufficient; a holistic strategy is required to effectively counter the sophisticated tactics employed by state-sponsored hackers and other malicious actors.
The discussion highlights the need for a collaborative approach that involves government agencies, private sector companies, and international partners. Sharing threat intelligence, coordinating responses, and developing common standards are crucial elements of a robust cybersecurity framework.
“We must prioritize cybersecurity not as an afterthought, but as an integral component of the clean energy transition,” Krejsa asserts. “By proactively addressing these challenges, we can ensure that the benefits of a sustainable future are not undermined by the threat of cyberattacks.”
What are some key steps that can be taken to strengthen cybersecurity defenses across the energy sector, particularly in the context of the clean energy transition?
**Host:** Welcome back to [Podcast Name] , this week we’re diving deep into a critical issue facing our nation as we transition to a cleaner energy future: cybersecurity. Joining me is Harry Krejsa, Director of Studies at the Carnegie Mellon Institute for Strategy & Technology. Harry, thanks for being here.
**Harry Krejsa:** Thanks for having me, Jason.
**Host:** You’ve spent years working on these issues, most recently in the Biden White House. Can you help our listeners understand why cybersecurity is becoming such a crucial concern as we move towards a more digitized energy grid?
**Harry Krejsa:** Absolutely. The clean energy transition is paving the way for a smarter, more efficient grid, but it also increases our reliance on digital systems that control everything from wind turbines to solar panels to the distribution network itself. This interconnectedness creates new vulnerabilities that malicious actors, including nation-states like China and Russia, can exploit to disrupt essential services and cause significant damage.
**Host:** We’ve seen recent reports, including warnings from the FBI, about the increasing sophistication of these attacks, particularly from China. What are some of the specific threats you’re most concerned about?
**Harry Krejsa:** One major concern is the potential for widespread blackouts. Imagine a coordinated attack on multiple critical infrastructure points, crippling entire regions. There’s also the risk of data theft, sabotage of renewable energy systems, and even manipulation of energy prices. The recent infiltration of U.S. critical infrastructure by Chinese hackers that you mentioned underscores the urgency of this challenge.
**Host:** That’s truly chilling. I know you’ve been involved in shaping national cybersecurity strategies. What are some of the key steps we need to take to protect ourselves?
**Harry Krejsa:** Strengthening cybersecurity defenses across the energy sector must be a top priority. This involves bolstering the resilience of our grid infrastructure, implementing robust cybersecurity measures for renewable energy technologies, and fostering greater collaboration between the government and the private sector to share intelligence and best practices.
Additionally, we need to invest in research and development of innovative cybersecurity solutions specifically tailored for the clean energy sector.
[[1](https://www.energy.gov/ceser/articles/new-report-evaluates-clean-energy-cybersecurity-technology)]
We also saw the DOE just released a report focusing on new cybersecurity tooling for renewable energy. This highlights the government’s increasing recognition of this issue and the commitment to finding solutions.
**Host:** Harry Krejsa, thank you for shedding light on this critical issue.
