Cybersecurity 2017 – The Year In Preview: Energy And Security

Editor's note: This is the fifth in a continuing end-of-year series. See our previous posts on trade secrets, state regulation and law enforcement, HIPAA compliance, and emerging threats. Our last post will focus on federal regulation and law enforcement.

In 2015, a sophisticated cyberattack hit six of Ukraine's energy providers simultaneously, causing a blackout for hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians. The U.S. has thus far evaded similar attacks, but the energy sector remains of vital strategic importance. Because it has long been considered a prime target for cyber threats, from cybercriminals and foreign states alike, regulators, especially at the federal level, have shown particular attention to this sector. Below, I look back at developments in energy sector cybersecurity in 2016 and ahead to what 2017 may bring.