Researchers from Idaho National Laboratory are developing technology to protect the country from cyber-attacks.
Laboratory tests revealed Tuesday that INL researchers are working with New Mexico. Technology Consulting Organization Visgence to design and demonstrate the effectiveness of the technology.
The technology is called a blocked cyber communication device (CDD). The researchers tested the device during a recent live demonstration at the INL Critical Infrastructure Test Range Complex, which tested the device with a number of remote-range tests.
According to the release, the device warned operators of unusual commands during the test, and the attacks automatically blocked them from accessing and damaging critical power grid components.
“Protecting our infrastructure from foreign enemies is a key component of the department’s national security,” said Patricia Hoffman, acting secretary of the US Department of Energy. Such successes increase our efforts to strengthen our electrical systems at risk while minimizing vulnerabilities. Utilizing the capacity of Idaho National Laboratory and other national laboratories will modernize our grid hardware to protect against cyber attacks.
Cyber-attacks from outside opposition are a growing concern in the United States, and the Associated Press reports that the White House has called for greater cooperation between the government and the private sector in cyber defense.
Energy Minister Jennifer Granhol told the Associated Press that the U.S. opposition has the ability to shut down the U.S. energy network now and at any time, with thousands of attacks on all energy and private sectors.
Linn A 2021 Colonial Pipeline Attack caused the shortage of gasoline and the price of the largest oil pipeline operator in the United States.
Jack Girl, director of the ELN program, said: “Cyber-attacks are becoming more sophisticated in the country’s critical infrastructure, and a tool is needed to provide a last resort to prevent threats.” “The 3D device is stored in a utility network by controlling and blocking cyber attacks before they affect transmission.
In recent years, cyber-attacks have affected some local systems. The 2019 cyber-attack paid more than $ 3,0000,000 for the hacking of computer servers at Sugar Salem School District 322 and Bingham County in 2017.
The C3D device has the ability to automatically scan and filter commands sent to protective transmission devices. Relays are vital to the country’s power grid, and breakers are designed to quickly shut down power lines in the event of a disturbance.
Researchers spent about a year working with industry experts to test the effectiveness of the C3D device. INL has also partnered with the Department of Energy to establish an industry advisory board comprising experts from the federal government, private industry and academia, grid and cyber security experts.
The development of the device was funded by the Defense Department’s Electricity Regulation Communication Project. ELL says further tests will be needed in the coming months before the technology can be licensed to the private industry.
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