As we move further into the 21st century it’s difficult to imagine electrical installations that won’t be, in one way or another, connected. The Internet of Things is here and it makes connectivity a fact of daily life. It brings opportunities that were impossible a decade ago.
Unfortunately, connectivity also raises big questions about security. A cyber attack targeting the grid could cripple a local, regional, or even national economy.
This is something that I – and everyone involved in the distribution of electricity – always keep in mind. That’s why at Schneider Electric we are investing more every day to protect our customers and their customers.
Our PACiS digital control system is one example of how we’re helping to improve grid security. PACiS solutions bring innovative technology to substation automation. They are specially engineered to protect, control, supervise, and automate mission-critical energy applications.
In light of the increasing number of cyber attacks targeting energy companies and industrial control systems worldwide, PACiS provides defense-in-depth for operational technologies across industries, thanks to an embedded, multi-layered security protection. It is compliant with international standards, making the solution open and flexible without compromising security.
Schneider Electric PACiS solutions today protect over 1,500 electrical distribution systems worldwide. Our customers range from oil & gas, mining, and railway companies to owners and operators of commercial buildings, hospitals, airports, and other critical infrastructure.
Make no mistake, in this era all grids are at risk. All require adequate security. And it’s not just cybersecurity – physical security is also important.
That’s why we design systems that include advanced monitoring and access control. We also build safety and security features into our equipment and we engineer in compliance with the latest international regulations.
I’ll say it one more time: Grid security matters. Whether we’re talking about a regional grid or a privately owned electrical distribution network, any security failure will be costly.