EnergySec lands $5.9M for grid security organization
By Christina Williams, Sustainable Business Oregon
Sustainable Business Oregon
EnergySec, a volunteer-led nonprofit group set up to help cybersecurity experts in the energy industry swap information with each other, scored $5.9 million from the U.S. Department of Energy to formalize its structure, set up the National Electric Sector Cybersecurity Organization, and tap industry expertise to secure the energy grid.
The grant is part of a $30 million investment by the DOE into 10 projects designed to improve security for the nation's electricity grid.
EnergySec began in 2003 as an informal lunchtime gathering for cybersecurity professionals loosely based in Clackamas. The group received nonprofit status and set up a volunteer board last year.
"When we saw the funding opportunity from the DOE, it was right up our alley," said Lisa James, the chairwoman of the EnergySec board and a security expert at Chelan Public Utility District in Washington. "Information sharing is so important. Everyone has to come together."
The funding will allow EnergySec to hire a small, full-time staff and establish an office in the Portland Metro area.
In addition to the formation of NESCO, the DOE funding covers eight focus areas that EnergySec will lead including:
• Establishing a broad–based collaborative public-private partnership.
• Developing cybersecurity solutions to enhance electric infrastructure reliability.
• Providing a path for rapid response to national cybersecurity priorities.
• Supplying data analysis and forensics capabilities for cyber-related threat and event assessments.
• Assisting with a framework to identify and prepare for challenges to grid reliability.
• Sharing information, best practices, resources and solutions to and from domestic and international electric sector participants.
• Encouraging key electric sector supplier and vendor support and interaction.
EnergySec has 375 members. Three of its board members are based in Oregon.
The group has also launched a sponsorship program for organizations.
christinawilliams@bizjournals.com | 503.239.3438
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