Page 122 - Cyber Defense eMagazine June 2024

Guardians of the Grid: Cyber-Secure Microgrids

and the Future of Energy Resilience

The Crucial Role of Cyber-Resilient Microgrids
By Brian Jabeck, VP of Data Centers, Enchanted Rock

The vulnerability of major metropolitan power grids to natural disasters has become a pressing concern,
but mother nature isn’t the only thing threatening our grid these days. As society becomes more digitized,
critical infrastructure faces increased exposure to cyber threats. And quite simply, there isn’t enough
power to go around so accessing new power is increasingly becoming a roadblock for data centers. One
solution gaining traction is microgrids, which offer access to reliable power and ongoing electrical
resilience for businesses and the government alike.

As our world becomes increasingly digitized, critical infrastructure is more exposed than ever before.
Security experts describe a cyber-attack against the power grid as a form of asymmetrical warfare—a
means of destroying a society by cutting off the delivery of food, water, healthcare, commerce, and
communications. In essence, contemporary economies run on electricity, and without it, they seize up.
It’s vital to implement every security measure possible to prevent disruptions that could leave people
without essential resources. What many don’t realize is microgrids offer protection against cyberattacks
and provide a promising avenue for enhancing grid security

As a source of onsite power generation during outages, microgrids ensure facilities and operations
remain functional, but they can also help stabilize the grid during periods of grid stress. With their ability
to operate independently from the main grid (islanding), microgrids can not only ensure continuous
protection against cyber threats but also offer a flexible and efficient solution for the evolving energy

Cyber Defense eMagazine – June 2024 Edition 122
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