Cyber Fortress: Preparing for Real-World Threats
Dominion Energy, one of the largest energy providers in the United States, has teamed up with various private and public agencies to conduct a large-scale simulation of cyberattacks aimed at the national power grid. Dubbed “Cyber Fortress,” this event focuses on preparing for and mitigating real-world threats that could have catastrophic consequences on energy infrastructure.
A National Security Concern
The event took place in Richmond, Virginia, and brought together cybersecurity experts from the Department of Defense, intelligence agencies, law enforcement, and various private-sector partners. It’s Dominion’s third such exercise, showcasing the growing importance of collaboration between public and private entities in protecting critical infrastructure.
Why the Power Grid?
A significant attack on the power grid could disrupt daily life for millions of Americans and destabilize key sectors of the economy. According to Dominion’s Chief Security Officer, Adam Lee, the energy grid is a prime target for nation-state actors and sophisticated criminal groups that have the capability to launch large-scale attacks.
Split into Teams: Red vs. Blue
The exercise is structured like a war game, with participants divided into two teams: a “red team” and a “blue team.” The red team is responsible for simulating attacks on the power grid, using the same strategies and techniques that hostile nation-states might deploy. The blue team, on the other hand, must detect, halt, and reverse these simulated cyberattacks to prevent damage.
High Stakes and Real-World Scenarios
“The attacks our red team are launching replicate the exact tradecraft hostile nation-states and malign actors across the globe are using against critical infrastructure,” said Lee. He emphasized that Dominion’s operations, particularly in Virginia, fall under the “no-fail territory” category, making it essential for the company to continuously evolve its cybersecurity practices.
Teamwork Makes the Grid Secure
“Cybersecurity is a team sport,” said Col. Jamel Neville, commanding officer of the Marine Corps Cyberspace Warfare Group based at Ft. Meade. He noted that even within the same team, different rules and procedures can sometimes create challenges. “The scope, scale, and sophistication of our adversaries have increased and advanced, and we need to stay ahead of these threats.”
A Personal Connection
For Col. Neville, who grew up in Richmond, participating in the Cyber Fortress exercise holds personal significance. “We want to protect the aunt at home on the couch, my mom and dad, from those threats that want to disrupt our way of life,” he said, stressing the human element of the work they’re doing.
A Reminder for Regular Virginians
The timing of Cyber Fortress also coincides with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which begins next week. Virginia’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Secretary Terry Cole used the occasion to urge residents to learn more about cybersecurity and invest in protecting themselves. “Maybe do a little reading about what cybersecurity means and cyber-hygiene means and invest a little money to protect yourself as well,” Cole said.
Cyber Fortress: Why It Matters
Cyber Fortress is not just an isolated exercise; it’s part of a broader national security strategy. Energy regulators have observed an uptick in foreign adversaries seeking to exploit vulnerabilities in the U.S. power grid. According to a recent Reuters report, these threats have become more frequent and sophisticated.
Protecting the Nation’s Critical Infrastructure
“Dominion’s territory, particularly here in Virginia, is a no-fail territory,” Lee said. “It’s absolutely essential that Dominion is not just as hard a target as we can make it, that our security practices are constantly evolving, but that we are partnered with stakeholders in that fight to keep bad actors out of networks in the United States.”
Growing Need for Public-Private Collaboration
The Cyber Fortress exercise highlights the importance of partnerships in protecting critical infrastructure. During the event, cybersecurity experts, law enforcement officials, and military personnel all worked together to create a united front against potential threats.
What Is Cyber Fortress?
Cyber Fortress is an annual event where Dominion Energy and its partners engage in large-scale simulations that mimic real-world cyberattacks. The goal is to identify weaknesses in the power grid and improve strategies for defending against cyber intrusions.
Simulating Worst-Case Scenarios
The red team, composed of some of the top cybersecurity minds, launches simulated attacks that mimic everything from malware to ransomware and coordinated assaults aimed at knocking out power to entire regions. The blue team’s job is to thwart these efforts using a variety of cybersecurity tools and techniques.
The Power of Preparedness
Exercises like Cyber Fortress are critical because they prepare stakeholders for real-world scenarios. Adam Lee emphasized that the nature of the energy grid makes it a prime target, and staying ahead of evolving threats is key to national security. “Our focus is on nation-state actors and sophisticated criminal malign actors that have the very latest technology to use in a very bad way to cause harm,” he said.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Cybersecurity in the Energy Sector
As cyber threats continue to evolve, Dominion Energy and its partners are already looking toward the future. Continuous investments in cybersecurity, cutting-edge technology, and talent are part of Dominion’s strategy to stay ahead of potential threats.
Investing in the Next Generation of Cyber Defenders
The company is also working with academic institutions and training centers to develop the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. “We’re focused on building a pipeline of talent that can respond to these threats,” said Lee.
The Stakes Are High
A large-scale attack on the power grid could have devastating effects, not just for energy customers but for the nation as a whole. Critical sectors such as healthcare, finance, and transportation all rely on a stable energy grid to operate smoothly.
A Call to Action for All Americans
The exercise serves as a reminder for all Americans to take cybersecurity seriously. While Dominion and its partners are working hard to protect the nation’s critical infrastructure, individuals also have a role to play in keeping themselves safe.
Cybersecurity Tips for Homeowners
- Use strong passwords: Avoid using common passwords and change them regularly.
- Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts.
- Be cautious of phishing scams: Don’t click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.
- Keep software updated: Regular updates can fix vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit.
Looking to the Future
The Cyber Fortress exercise is just one example of the steps being taken to secure the power grid. As threats continue to evolve, public and private agencies must continue to innovate and collaborate.
Building a More Resilient Grid
From advanced threat detection systems to AI-driven cybersecurity defenses, Dominion Energy is investing in a more resilient power grid. “Our mission is to stay one step ahead of the bad actors,” said Lee. “That means constant vigilance, constant innovation, and constant collaboration.”
Conclusion
The Cyber Fortress exercise underscores the importance of protecting critical infrastructure from ever-evolving threats. Through public-private partnerships, cutting-edge technology, and a relentless focus on cybersecurity, Dominion Energy is helping to safeguard the nation’s power grid against potential cyberattacks.
As cybersecurity becomes an increasingly complex field, the lessons learned from exercises like Cyber Fortress will be invaluable in protecting the nation’s critical assets. “Everyone has a role in the event of a significant attack on the grid,” Lee said, stressing the importance of a united front in the fight against cyber threats.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights into the world of cybersecurity as Dominion Energy continues to lead the charge in defending the nation’s critical infrastructure.
