Smart Grids Aren’t Secure, Survey Says

A new survey from Tripwire, a global provider of security and compliance solutions for enterprises and industrial organizations, revealed that 98 percent of professionals in the IT field believe that smart cities are vulnerable to cyberattacks.

More than 200 IT professionals working for state and local governments took part in the survey, which was conducted by Dimensional Research.

“Security isn’t usually glamorous, and it can be difficult to sell the need for added time and cost on a project, even when it’s to ensure that services are secure,” Tim Erlin, senior director of IT security and risk strategy for Tripwire, stated in a press release. “Smart city initiatives are pushing the technological envelope for urban infrastructure management, and it’s clear from the survey results that cybersecurity is being left out of the conversation.”

The results from the survey show that the industry is well aware of the unique and escalating cyberthreats facing smart grids and smarty city services.

According to more than half (55 percent) of the survey respondents, smart cities are not placing enough attention on the cybersecurity resources needed to support digitally powered initiatives.

“Smart grids can help optimize utilities but bring additional cybersecurity and regulatory challenges,” Rekha Shenoy, VP and GM of industrial cybersecurity for Tripwire’s parent company, Belden, explained. “Respondents to this survey seem to recognize these threats, but their smart city initiatives need further refinement. Identifying smart city cyber risks is just one step; smart cities need to translate this recognition into action.”

“Municipalities are dazzled by the promises of the Industrial Internet of Things, which can bring cost savings and improved efficiency,” Shenoy continued. “However, the dazzle will wear off quickly if smart city initiatives can’t keep up with new threats, regulatory requirements and hidden costs. In order to succeed, smart cities must actively protect their critical infrastructure.”