Can Hackers Turn Your Lights Off? The Vulnerability of the US Power Grid to Electronic Attack

This paper addresses specific areas of vulnerabilities both longstanding and those immediate threats to the U.S. power grid, and suggests an overall strategy to deal with these areas, called 'Defense in Depth' and some specific actions for the electric power industry appropriate for these vulnerabilities. The security of the U.S. power grid is not something merely of interest to the electric power industry however. It is something relevant to every U.S. citizen and because of the interconnectedness of the world economy the entire world. The power industry must ensure that utility companies are acting to secure their systems and follow through on security measures appropriate for critical infrastructures.