Warfare and Weather Have the Power To Paralyze the Grid

Power is among the most coveted targets of cyber warfare. A well-executed attack may cripple a country and its ability to fight. Planners and businesspeople are stepping up their technological game to thwart intrusions. Still, the risks multiply.

Major power generation facilities attract attention as potential targets, but such attacks are unusual. And many are turning their attention toward distribution vulnerabilities, where the system is only as strong as its weakest link, and extreme weather could change an otherwise inconsequential attack into a massive disaster.

“You’re going to see a strong increase in what government concerns itself with as the baseline standards across the board,” said Matt Hayden, vice president of cyber client engagement at General Dynamics Information Technology.

The increased demands on physical power inf