Electric Sector Security Observations from Distributech 2013

The show is over for me as I'm up in LA for some IBM training, but it was a very good 2 days. Here's a few of the highlights I took away:

• Saw a great new product with immediate applicability to AMI (and other wireless network) security with crossover applications in restoration, routing and reliability
• Patrica Hoffman, DOE's Assistant Secretary for the Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE), following great, largely renewable-energy oriented keynotes from senior executives at SDG&E and Cal ISO, gave her perspective on the world and beat a drum loudly for improved cybersecurity awareness and action towards the end of her talk
• Speaking of DOE, after visiting several security vendor booths found a remote outpost DOE cybersecurity booth in the far corner of the big hall. Those folks seemed glad to have any human contact :)
• One industry security guru whose knowledge I implicitly trust said he would like to see a greater emphasis on security architectures this year. Too many point products are being bought and strung together with little consideration for the bigger, enterprise protection picture. And that's a recipe for weakness and inefficiency, and for the folks recommending or doing the buying, a formula for losing credibility and trust
• I couldn't make the conference's security focus panel but if someone did and has some impressions to share, please do and I'll post them here.
• Lastly, from my extended family at IBM flown in from all over the world, definitely detecting heightened security awareness and interest from utilities that until recently weren't all that active.

For those still in town and/or next time you're in town, highly recommend the new Blind Burro restaurant ... ate their twice and it's fantastic. So far, scores a ridiculously high 4.5 our of 5 stars on Yelp. Mmmm tasty.

Trailer for Smart Grid Security No FUD Zone

I had a really great time recording my first hour-long solo webcast recently, but sixty minutes of yours truly might be more than you can tolerate. If you're game, though, click on the image above for the webinar boiled down to a relatively spare 3 minutes.

Also recommend you register yourself HERE for the Virtual Energy Forum (VEF). These folks host a ton of extremely good energy speakers (if you'll allow for one recent exception, that is).

Webcast Alert: Virtual Energy Forum - Cyber Security No FUD Zone

As our friend Massoud likes to say, "at the risk of self promotion," would like to let you know that I'll be doing a live presentation on Wednesday, May 25.  I'll have both my IBM and blogger hats on at the same time, so will be discussing topics from the SGSB, as well as describing how IBM is organized and organizing to help electric utility customers improve their security and privacy posture.

Feel free to heckle if you must. Details are below.

Featured Presentation May 25th at 12:00PM EDTLessons from the Smart Grid Cyber Security No FUD Zone Andy Bochman Energy Security Lead IBM Software Group/Rational

Presentation Abstract - The mainstream media gives us daily reminders of the risks anticipated from the emerging Smart Grid. From Smart Meter-related health concerns, to new privacy issues, to perceived exposure to higher monthly electric bills, not to mention new threats to critical infrastructure from solar flares, EMP and Stuxnet. This presentation will give attendees the other side of the story. We'll cover what utilities, regulators, and vendors including IBM are doing to ensure the successful roll out of a safe and secure Smart Grid, essential for enabling the Smarter Planet and our collective energy future.

Click HERE to register.