Without specifically blaming Iran or other U.S. foes, the secretary of Energy today confirmed that the vast U.S. electric grid is being hit with an increasing number of cyberattacks from a growing number of enemies.
“The energy infrastructure is a major target of cyber attacks. That is increasing in frequency and perhaps source,” said Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz.
His comments at a media roundtable hosted by the Christian Science Monitor follow a department report last week that warned “modern life” would be threatened if the grid went down.
Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. Michael Bonfigli/The Christian Science Monitor.
Moniz said the grid also faces threats from storms he said are caused by climate change, physical attacks and electromagnetic pulse.
Asked specifically about a cyberattack, he said, “We certainly identify it as one of the major risks; extreme weather, cyber. By the way physical attacks we’ve seen on the grid and it’s obviously a widely distributed and therefore somewhat exposed system.”
The department has established a special panel to watch for cyberattacks, and used some of the president’s stimulus money to add special sensors that can detect when the system is teetering. He also is promoting a public-private plan to build a surplus of electric transformers to be used if those currently in use are attacked and dismantled.
Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz. Michael Bonfigli/The Christian Science Monitor.
He said that the job is staying ahead of the attacks. Iran and North Korea have been cited by officials as the leaders in targeting the U.S. electric grid, but Moniz wouldn’t name names.
“You’ve just got to stay ahead of the bad guys all the time. So far we have not had any major actual disruption of our energy infrastructure, but it ain’t for a lack of people trying,” he said.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected].
