The government of India has released 1st guidelines for cybersecurity in the power sector. These guidelines were released under the direction of Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister Raj Kumar Singh and the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).
Objective –
To create a cyber secure ecosystem and strengthen the regulatory framework.
About the guidelines
i.This is the first time the comprehensive guidelines for cybersecurity in the power sector were framed by the CEA.
ii.Under the provision of Section 3(10) on Cyber Security in the “Central Electricity Authority (Technical Standards for Connectivity to the Grid) (Amendment) Regulations, 2019’’, the CEA has framed the guidelines.
iii.It is mandatory to all stakeholders to focus on providing cyber hygiene, training of all IT(Information Technology) personnel on Cyber Security, constructing Cyber Testing Laboratories in the country.
iv.It will provide better facilities and solutions for tackling challenges related to cybersecurity in the power sector.
v.It mandates ICT based procurement from identified “Trusted Sources” and identified “Trusted Products” or else the product has to be tested for Malware/Hardware Trojan before deployment for use in the power supply system.
vi.Experts agencies such as CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team), NCIIPC (National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre ), NSCS (National Security Council Secretariat ), IIT (Indian Institute of Technology)Kanpur also participated in the framework.
vii.It will promote research and development in cybersecurity and open up the market for setting up cyber testing infra in public as well as private sectors in the country.
Functions
i.It lays down a cyber assurance framework and provides mechanisms for security threat early warning, vulnerability management.
ii.By securing remote operations and services, protection and resilience of critical information infrastructure.
iii.It will reduce cyber supply chain risks, encourage use of open standards, promotion of research and development in cyber security, human resource development in the domain of Cyber Security, Developing effective public private partnerships and information sharing and cooperation.
Stakeholders
It is applicable to all Responsible Entities as well as System Integrators, Equipment Manufacturers, Suppliers/Vendors, Service Providers, IT Hardware and Software Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) engaged in the Indian Power Supply System.
About Ministry of Power
Union Minister – Raj Kumar Singh (Arrah,Bihar)
Minister of State– Krishan Pal Gurjar(Faridabad, Haryana)
