The Intersection of Cyber Security, Critical Infrastructure, and Control Systems

The intersection of cyber security, critical infrastructure, and control systems is on the minds of people around the world: particularly, those designing, integrating, managing, modifying, regulating, defending, and using the systems; and most notably, those daring to exploit weaknesses in the systems to their own ends. There are requirements to secure critical infrastructure in cyberspace. Thus a race is on to apply cyber security controls prized for information systems to leading—and sometimes archaic—control systems and processes to stem the results of cyber attack. How has this worked out? What is the tipping point of success? What are those serving as pioneers and advocates in this arena doing? How are we tuning results to focus on grounded cyber security principles and practice to deliver innovation, measurable performance, and active defense in this time of confusion? What impacts are our efforts having at local, industry, sector, national, and international levels? Hear about one approach and the results of foundation cross-sector efforts in the U.S.A.

Sandra Bittner is a Senior Engineer and Cyber Security Specialist with Arizona Public Service at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. She provides cyber security leadership in the area of cyber security program development for the Strategic Teaming and Resources Sharing Alliance (STARS) and is an active member of the Nuclear Information Technology Strategic Leadership (NITSL) community.