Recognized expert, member of the ICA International Users Group, and president of PCItek, Margaret Goodrich was a speaker at the CIM Users Group – Asia-Pacific 2024 Fall Meeting held in Pathum Thani, Thailand, October 2 – 4, 2024. Ms. Goodrich addressed the meeting’s key topic, “CIM as the mechanisms to support the grid modernization and digitalization.”

Emphasis of the meeting was use of COM-based data exchanges as part of business processes and how 

digitization is changing the utility industry environment. Both CIM novices and experts profited from the meeting which provided a forum to learn more about CIM and network with colleagues and industry insiders.

The CIM is an international standard now globally accepted for modeling the information exchanges required in electric utilities. The CIM is independent of any individual application, middleware, or message protocols used for data exchange. The interoperability enabled by the CIM standards is a key factor for achieving the Smart Grid vision.

The CIM Users Group (CIMug) was formed to promote progress of the CIM and to share project experiences. The users group holds two meetings each year (one in Europe and one in the U.S.). Recognized experts share their insights and resolve key technical issues. Each meeting also includes pre-conference tutorials, vendor exhibits, and social networking opportunities.

Attendees included utilities, energy companies, RTO/ISOs and others involved in developing standards-based enterprise information architectures and integration frameworks to meet their business challenges. Project managers, system architects, business and IT managers, and control center personnel were also in attendance.

With the focus on Smart Grid interoperability and distribution applications, vendors with CIM-based products demonstrated their products and discussed service offerings.

Those who attended gained first-hand access to CIM experts and went away with new insights on how to realize the power of CIM-based integration.

Each of us has a responsibility to do our part in making our country and world a safer place.

This is the 24th year that our country has recognized October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. It’s a time dedicated for the public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and it has never been more important than it is today.

It has become a collaborative effort between government and industry to encourage cybersecurity awareness and actions by the public to reduce online risk and generate discussion on cyber threats at all levels individually, nationally and globally.

Taking daily action to reduce risks when online and using devices connected to the internet, whether it’s your computer, smart phone, or iPad is important. Staying vigilant in securing our world through cybersecurity awareness is the responsibility of each individual.

Four Easy Ways to Stay Safe Online

Let’s work together to build a safer digital world by using these free resources available through CISA, America’s Cybersecurity Defense Agency. We can increase our online safety through four simple actions, and whether at home, work, or school, these tips make us more secure when connected. Take time to discuss them with family, friends, employees and your community so we can all become safer online!

Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are long, random, and unique and include all four-character types (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols). Password managers are a powerful tool to help you create strong passwords for each of your accounts.

Turn On MFA 

You need more than a password to protect your online accounts; enabling MFA makes you significantly less likely to get hacked. Enable MFA on all your online accounts that offer it, especially email, social media, and financial accounts.

Recognize & Report Phishing  

Be cautious of unsolicited messages asking for personal information. Avoid sharing sensitive information or credentials with unknown sources. Report phishing attempts and delete the message.

Update Software 

Ensuring your software is up to date is the best way to make sure you have the latest security patches and updates on your devices. Regularly check for updates if automatic updates are unavailable.

These four simple actions we can all take, not only during October, but every day throughout the year will help each of us become more vigilant Cyber Defenders, helping to make our world a safer, stronger place.

CIM Users Group – European 2024 Fall Meeting, “Gear Up: Support Business Processes and Boost digitization with the CIM” was hosted by TenneT on 14-16, May 2024 in Arnhem, Netherlands. The event was organized by The CIM Users Group (CIMUG), a subgroup of the UCA International Users Group. CIMUG serves as a forum in which users, consultants, and suppliers are able to cooperate and leverage the IEC CIM international standards to advance interoperability across the utility enterprise. The primary purpose is to share technology basics, best practices and technical resources while Advancing Interoperability for the Utility Enterprise.

The event was attended by utilities, energy companies, RTO/ISOs and others involved in developing standards-based enterprise information architectures and integration frameworks to meet their business challenges will find this conference invaluable. Project managers, system architects, business and IT managers, and control center personnel benefited from this meeting. With the focus on Smart Grid interoperability and distribution applications, vendors with CIM-based products attended and demonstrated their products and discussed service offerings. 

The CIM Users Group – European 2024 Fall Meeting was hosted by TenneT, an international provider of three supply security roles which are interconnected and influence each other: security of production in line with demand, security of grid availability and transmission, and security of grid balance.

About PCItek

PCItek specializes in cyber security products and model/data integration for Operations in the utility industry. Their expertise in data exchange models, message payloads, and cybersecurity is unsurpassed. Our solutions streamline operations, enhance security, and ensure reliable energy delivery. PCItek is committed to empowering utilities with cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving challenges of the modern energy landscape.

SHELL KNOB, MISSOURI, On February 26, 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that EPRI received $5 million to identify new cybersecurity tools and technologies designed to reduce cyber risks for energy infrastructure. The EPRI team, which includes Project Consultants, LLC (DBA: PCItek), will implement new cyber security for the DNP3 AMP standard used by Electric Utilities in North America.

Cybersecurity innovations are necessary to ensure the U.S. energy systems can continue to supply energy to American homes, businesses, and communities. This funding, awarded through DOE’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER), will support the Garibaldi Key Distribution and System Management System.

“I am thrilled that PCItek has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for our commitment to strengthening the security of the utility industry,” said Margaret Goodrich, President of PCItek. “We are proud to provide innovative solutions that support the resilience of our nation’s energy grid against cyber threats. This funding enables us to further develop and implement cutting-edge cybersecurity tools, ensuring a safer and more reliable energy supply for all Americans.”

The Distributed Network Protocol (DNP3) Authentication and Authorization project will leverage PCItek’s expertise in integrating operational systems to develop and implement innovative cybersecurity solutions for critical energy infrastructure. This project aims to advance the security in the relays for utility grids and ultimately strengthen the resilience of the U.S. energy grid against cyberattacks.

As part of the project, the PCItek Garibaldi Key Distribution and System Management System will be extended to provide a management entity (a.k.a. a DNP3 Authority) for the Distributed Network Protocol (DNP3) Authentication and Authorization Protocol (a.k.a. AMP). This project is one of 16 projects selected by CESER to address a wide range of current and emerging cyber threats facing energy systems, including electricity, oil, and natural gas, from generation through delivery and provides centralized security management for DNP3 SAv6.

The power grid faces unique cybersecurity challenges due to its complex infrastructure and reliance on industrial control systems. Threats include physical security breaches, malware attacks, and zero-day exploits. 

Utilities must adhere to strict regulations, such as NERC CIP standards, to protect critical infrastructure. Implementing best practices like access control, network segmentation, and intrusion detection systems can bolster security measures. Staying informed about emerging threats and trends is crucial for maintaining a resilient power grid.

Cybersecurity tools elevate the value proposition of digital substation relays, providing a competitive advantage for OEMs, VARs, and salespeople. Implementation technicians can receive detailed explanations of these cutting-edge security features and functionalities. These advanced solutions empower utilities to safeguard their power grid against cyber threats proactively.

Click here to read more about CESER. Learn more about PCItek’s work in cybersecurity here.

About PCItek

PCItek specializes in cyber security products and model/data integration for Operations in the utility industry. Their expertise in data exchange models, message payloads, and cybersecurity is unsurpassed. Our solutions streamline operations, enhance security, and ensure reliable energy delivery. PCItek is committed to empowering utilities with cutting-edge technology to meet the evolving challenges of the modern energy landscape.

About CESER

The Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) is dedicated to reducing the risk of energy disruptions caused by cyber threats. CESER collaborates with government, industry, academia, and national laboratories to develop innovative cybersecurity solutions. 

The office focuses on research, development, and demonstration projects that enhance information sharing, mitigate cyber incidents, and increase the resilience of the U.S. energy infrastructure. CESER’s work aligns with national priorities and directives to ensure the security of our nation’s energy systems.