Energy Department, DHS working with industry to prevent cyber attacks

The Energy Department and the Department of Homeland Security are working with industry to better protect the country’s power grid from cyberattacks.

The departments announced Thursday a new plan to work with electric utilities to help identify potential vulnerabilities to cyberattacks. The effort is the latest push by the Obama administration to ensure the security of the grid.

This initiative is another important step forward in improving the security of the Nation’s energy infrastructure and ensuring that the country’s electrical systems remain secure, reliable and resilient,” Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in a statement. “Establishing a comprehensive cybersecurity approach will give utility companies and grid operators another important tool to improve the grid’s ability to respond to cybersecurity risks.”

White House and administration officials met with electric industry officials Thursday to discuss the new initiative.