Smart Grid Cyber and SCADA Security Announcements

European Smart Grid Cyber and SCADA Security Conference London March 10^th and 11^th 2014

Millinneum Gloucester Hotel London

Call for papers and sponsorship support

Confirmed countries represented:

UK, Netherlands, Qatar, USA, Germany, and Switzerland

Confirmed leaders:

Scottish and Southern Energy, Alliander, Maersk Oil Qatar, California Water, RWE, Swissgrid, DNV Kema, Aegis Insurance, ENISA, EPRI

Act now to avoid disappointment 

Call Jamison Nesbitt

+44 (0)20 7827 6164

New speakers and topics announced for European Smart Grid Cyber and SCADA Security London March 2014

We are pleased to announce several new topical areas of discussion for the March 10th and 11th conference on European Smart Grid Cyber and SCADA Security in London 2014.

DNV Kema have already confirmed as supporters, and we are privileged to be joined by EPRI from the US, Alliander, and Aegis London at this early stage


If you are interested in getting involved ensure you contact us in advance. Jamison Nesbitt +44 (0)20 7827 6164

Communications Infrastructure for Smart Grids

Those of us involved in cyber security, critical infrastructure or the energy business, certainly cannot deny the importance of a secure, flexible, scalable backbone network infrastructure for our energy future. Yes we can reduce our carbon footprint, yes this there is a big debate on public or private networks and what technology is most suited for mass deployment.

As I discuss these issues with key utilities throughout Europe, one thing becomes very apparent. There is still, after all of the disruption and attacks on energy companies, press and "fear mongering," not nearly enough focus on security as there should be.

Is the Oil and Gas industry prepared for a cyber attack? Hacking groups have gone so far as even telling them the date of the attack so they can expect it. What goes through the minds of your multibillion dollar corporation when they read something like this? I will tell you... "It cant happen here."
None the less, there is a superior army of specialists far more educated than myself, in both Europe and North America tackling these issues as I type, and hopefully I can raise further awareness to help the cause.

As we progress towards the 3rd Annual Telecoms for Smart Grids conference in London this September 23rd and 24th, security again is my greatest concern. The event is not necessarily about security or privacy (although there is representation on these topics), it is about pilot projects, deployments and what communications infrastructure will be most effective. However, this is where core decisions makers come together to discuss, network and some decide who they may buy technology from and work with in the future.

In my opinion, this is where the cyber army should be making the most noise. Is this shiney new technology secure by design? Who put it together, has each component been tested and how do you know 100% there isn't a back door? Can this network be hacked? After all we are talking about meters, wireless, wimax, and long range radio....

I leave you with this thought and hope to meet you at Telecoms for Smart Grids in London
http://www.telecomsforsmartgrids.com

There was a great story released this week via BBC you might want to read too.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-22608085

European Smart Grid Cyber and SCADA Security Conference Announcement

SMi's3rd annual European Smart Grid Cyber and SCADA Security conference has gone from strength to strength, year on year, since its inception back in March 2011.

This year we are set to deliver another highly informative networking opportunity for industry leaders next week, March 11th and 12th at the Copthorne Tara in London.

This year's event boasts attendees from EnergySec from the USA, as well as leading Utilities Swissgrid, California Water and Power, Eon, Enexis, Con Edison NY, Fortum, Alliander, Vattenfall, UK Power Networks, Iberdrola, Southwest Water, Enel, Welsh Water and more.

With support from industry heavyweights Verizon, Cassidian, Siemens, Alert Enterprise, Fox IT, DNV Kema and many others, we are set to deliver a comprehensive  view of how the security industry is evolving, preparing and responding to threats.

SMi are proud to announce they will be holding a networking drinks reception on Day one at approximately 18.00 for all participants. Don't miss this unique opportunity to win new business, gain competitive advantage and understand how we will protect our future critical infrastructure.

http://www.smartgridcybersecurity.co.uk 

Utilities VIP passes

We have a limited number of VIP passes for Utilities on the European Smart Grid Cyber and SCADA Security event in London.

If you are involved in Security in Critical Infrastructure, you should not miss this event.

Contact SMi and quote Utility VIP at +44 (0)20 7827 6164 to check for availability.

Thank you

Smart Grid Cyber Security Conference London

The European Smart Grid Cyber and SCADA Security forum for 2013 has attracted more solution providers and utilities than previous years. We have extended the venue to two floors, exhibition above and conference below. 
Hopefully this increased interest from industry is a good sign that Cyber issues are being looked at more closely and given more the attention they deserve - BEFORE the attack takes place. 

I recently had a conversation with a European utility that simply stated that there were no definite plans in place, and Cyber attacks weren't taken that seriously as they have never experienced one - so management didn't feel it necessary to prepare.

Shocking - yes. But this perspective still exists and in my opinion, is one of the greatest threats against Critical National Infrastructure. "Problem? What problem?"

We have asked for an update on the 50 Hertz Cyber Attack and am told Rudolf has been briefed and will cover this incident to some extent.
You can read about it here

"A German power utility specialising in renewable energy was hit by a serious cyber-attack two weeks ago that lasted five days, knocking its internet communications systems offline, in the first confirmed digital assault against a European grid operator"

I hope to meet many new industry leaders this year and find it a privilege to say we will be joined by

• Daniela Pestonesi, IT and Security Systems, Enel Distribuzione SpA
• Evangelos Ouzounis, Senior Expert, Network Security Policy, ENISA - European Network and Information Security Agency
• Patrick Miller, President and CEO, EnergySec • Gitte Bergknut, MU Nordic Information Security Manager, EON Sverige AB • Steve Brunasso, Manager of Security Services, California Water and Power • Daniel Zajd, Senior R and D Engineer, Vattenfall A B • Miguel Chavero, IT Manager SIMOD, Iberdrola Distribution • Justin Clarke, Security Researcher, Cylance • Patricia Robison, Professor of Cyber Security, New York University
• Rudolf Baumann, Chairman of the Transmission Security Cooperation, Senior Advisor Operations, swissgrid AG • Sean McGurk, Managing Principal Industrial Control Systems Cyber Security, Verizon Business • Corrado Leita, Project Coordinator, CRISALIS

UK Power Networks, Centrica, National Grid and many more have recently joined. See you March 11th and 12th. 

PRODUCT AND SOLUTION SECURITY IN INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

The European Smart Grid Cyber and SCADA Security forum held by the SMi Group on March 11th and 12th in London, proudly welcomes Siemens as sponsors and speakers for the 2013 event. 

The presentation will be delivered by Mr. Stefan Woronka, who currently heads the Service Line for Industrial Security Services within Siemens AG in Germany.

The group is responsible for supporting customers around the world with projects on Industrial Security. This ranges from assessments on the current status over implementations of measures to regularly monitoring the security infrastructure. This group also covers projects and services on Condition Monitoring and Reliability.

Stefan Woronka joined Siemens in 1997 and assumed different positions prior to taking over the current position.

Key points of discussion include:

• Key elements that need to be revisited when setting up a security architecture for the industrial automation environment
• Best practice example based on the concept of Defense in Depth and ISA 99/IEC 62443
• Measures that have been implemented within Siemens

Already the forum for 2013 is nearing sell out. If you wish to get involved, please get in touch quickly.