Here are some of the challenges that are facing utilities and making it more difficult for them to be protected from cyber security threats.
The acronym “SMARTER” denotes these key challenges which have been determined by doing secondary research and primary research with real utilities between 2018 and 2023.
–S – Slow patching and IT updates
–M – Merging of OT and IT networks
–A – Authentication weaknesses abound
–R – Remote access more pervasive
–T – Trusting insiders is prevalent
–E – Education for users is lean
–R – Ransomware risks are increasing