Energy security is a matter of national importance, and the constant and growing threat of cyber security risks can have broad impacts to society, public health and safety, and the national economy.
As Australia’s independent energy system and market operator, AEMO collaborates with national security agencies and energy-sector participants to ensure Australia’s energy sector is capable of mitigating cyber threats.
Recent work has seen the development of a tailored cyber security framework for the energy industry, known as the Australian Energy Sector Cyber Security Framework (AESCSF).
The framework includes agreed regulations and useful resources for participants across Australia’s energy supply chain to assess their vulnerabilities, rate capabilities and prioritise their cyber security skills aligned to clear guidelines.
AEMO Chief Security Officer, Tim Daly, said: “There was strong collaboration and a common purpose from all participants to develop a cyber security framework to enable an uplift of cyber security maturity across the sector.
“We’re now working to continue this important momentum at the national cyber security exercise, testing our preparedness and ability to respond to cyber threats,” Mr Daly said.
AEMO is helping to coordinate and facilitate a two-day national cyber security exercise for Australia’s electricity industry, including market and system operators, generators, transmission and distribution network service providers and retailers.
To be held in November 2019, the exercise enables organisations to practise and strengthen their cyber security arrangements by responding to simulated cyber security threats and incidents, as they would during a real-world event.
Registration closes on 31 May 2019, if you would like to participate contact the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s National Exercise Program team at asd.assist@defence.gov.au or reach out through AEMO on aescsf@aemo.com.au.
For all the latest news, insights and analysis from the Australian energy industry subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter and download the new Energy Live app on Apple and Android.