| Description |
1 online resource (ii, 45 p.) : ill. |
| System Details |
Mode of access via the U.S. Government Accountability Office web site. |
| Note |
Title from PDF title page (viewed on Jan. 13, 2011). |
|
"January 2011." |
| Summary |
The electric industry is increasingly incorporating information technology (IT) systems into its operations as part of nationwide efforts -- commonly referred to as smart grid -- to improve reliability and efficiency. There is concern that if these efforts are not implemented securely, the electric grid could become more vulnerable to attacks and loss of services. To address this concern, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) provided the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) with responsibilities related to coordinating the development and adoption of smart grid guidelines and standards. GAO was asked to (1) assess the extent to which NIST has developed smart grid cybersecurity guidelines; (2) evaluate FERC's approach for adopting and monitoring smart grid cybersecurity and other standards; and (3) identify challenges associated with smart grid cybersecurity. To do so, GAO analyzed agency documentation, interviewed responsible officials, and hosted an expert panel. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references. |
| Contents |
Background -- NIST has developed and issued smart grid cybersecurity guidelines, but they do not address some key cybersecurity elements -- FERC has begun reviewing initial smart grid standards but has not developed a coordinated plan to monitor industry's implementation -- Electricity industry faces key challenges to securing smart grid systems and networks -- Conclusions. |
| Note |
"GAO-11-117." |
| Subject |
United States. Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.
|
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National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S.) -- Rules and practice -- Evaluation.
|
|
United States. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission -- Rules and practice -- Evaluation.
|
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Electric utilities -- United States -- Evaluation.
|
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Electric utilities -- Information technology -- United States.
|
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Electric power systems -- Protection -- United States -- Evaluation.
|
| Added Title |
Progress being made on cybersecurity guidelines, but key challenges remain to be addressed |
| Gpo Item No. |
0546-D (online) |
| Sudoc No. |
GA 1.13:GAO-11-117 |
|
