CYBERSECURITY GUIDELINES

  • Recently, the government released cybersecurity guidelines for the power sector.
  • This is the first time that a comprehensive guideline has been formulated on cyber security in the power sector.
  • The guidelines are a precursor to cybersecurity regulations that the Central Electricity Authority (CEA, Ministry of Power) is working on.

Important points:

  • CEA has framed the guidelines under the Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019.
  • It lays down a cyber assurance framework, strengthens the regulatory framework, puts in place mechanisms for security threat early warning, vulnerability management and response to security threats, and secures remote operations and services, among others.
  • The norms are applicable to all responsible entities as well as system integrators, equipment manufacturers, suppliers/ vendors, service providers, and Information Technology (IT) hardware and software OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) engaged in the Indian power supply system.
  • Responsible Entities include power generation utilities, distribution utilities, transmission companies and load dispatch centres among others.

Major Guidelines:

  • Mandates Information & Communication Technology-based procurement from identified ‘trusted sources’ and ‘trusted products’ or else the product has to be tested for malware/hardware trojan before deployment for use in the power supply system network.
  • It will promote research and development in cybersecurity and open up the market for setting up cyber testing infra in public as well as private sectors in the country.

SOURCE: THE HINDU,THE ECONOMIC TIMES, MINT

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