• September 24, 2024

    Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities and Threats in Smart Grids

    Safeguarding the Future Strengthening Cybersecurity in Smart Grids

    The digital transformation of power grids into smart grids is critically important, offering enhanced reliability and operational efficiency. Yet, the reliance on information and communication technologies carries inherent cybersecurity risks that demand attention. This article looks into the vulnerabilities and threats challenging smart grids, examines their potential impacts, and suggests mitigation strategies. Smart grids represent …

  • July 22, 2024

    Digital Monoculture
    The Hidden Risks of Standardization

    Global IT Outage A Routine Update Gone Wrong, Disrupting Critical Infrastructures

    In today's era many companies rely on the cloud services and cybersecurity solutions leading to a digital monoculture. While this standardization promotes operation and broad compatibility of computer systems, it also poses risks. When issues arise they can quickly spread across industries and regions as seen in the CrowdStrike incident. The interconnected nature of IT …

  • March 25, 2024

    Broadcom's Moves and the Lessons for Energy Sector

    Power dynamics and the intensity of high stakes decision making

    In the wake of incidents like Broadcom's acquisition of VMware, the fragility of markets when faced with the manoeuvres of major players becomes apparent.

  • March 20, 2024

    Ditch the Post-It Passwords
    Better Password Management in the Digital Age

    Unlocking the Mystery The World's Most Secure Password (Not Really!)

    Passwords are crucial for protecting our data, money, and online identities. However, remembering unique and complex passwords for every account can be a challenge.

  • February 29, 2024

    Grounded for Safety
    A Guide to Safe Earthing in Electrical Systems

    Earthing also plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the space time continuum in flux capacitors (symbol image, credit CLOU)

    Earthing is crucial for safety and reliability in electrical installations. Understanding principles and regular maintenance is essential for engineers and electricians.

  • March 9, 2024

    The Safety Risks of Open CT Secondary Circuits

    Leaving the secondary circuit of Current Instrument Transformers (CTs) open can lead to the generation of dangerously high voltages (symbol image, credit CLOU)

    Leaving the secondary circuit of Current Instrument Transformers (CTs) open can result in the generation of dangerously high voltages, posing significant safety risks to personnel and equipment. Understanding the reasons behind this occurrence and taking proper precautions can help mitigate these hazards and ensure a safe operating environment.

  • March 7, 2024

    Opinion Piece
    Strengthening Penalties for Energy Meter Tampering?

    Energy Meter Tampering Leads To Substantial Financial Losses For Utility Companies, Which Are Ultimately Passed On To Customers In The Form Of Higher Tariffs (symbol Image, Credit Clou)

    Strengthening penalties for energy meter tampering can act as a strong deterrent, fostering fairness, protecting revenues, and enhancing safety. However, concerns regarding wrongful convictions, disproportionate impact, resource allocation, and legal complexities must be taken into account to ensure a comprehensive and balanced approach.

  • March 5, 2024

    Data Protection 2.0
    Why Backups and Redundancy Are Non-Negotiable

    Redundancy Can Be Applied At Various Levels, Including Hardware, Network Infrastructure, Storage Systems, And Software (symbol Image, Credit Clou)

    Backups and redundancy are vital components of a comprehensive data management strategy, offering protection against data loss and ensuring uninterrupted business operations. By employing a layered approach, individuals and companies can minimize risks, maintain high availability, and safeguard their critical data.

  • March 3, 2024

    Evaluating Maintenance Approaches
    An Overview of Different Strategies

    The choice between the different maintenance approaches depends on the unique requirements and objectives of your organization (symbol image, credit CLOU)

    Reliability-centered Maintenance (RCM) takes a proactive stance towards maintenance by placing emphasis on critical assets and preventing failures before they arise. Nevertheless, it entails in-depth analysis and can be a time-consuming process, making it better suited for intricate systems with high reliability requirements.

  • December 6, 2024

    Weathering the Elements
    Strengthening Power Companies for Extreme Events

    Effective emergency response plans are crucial for power companies to minimize the impact of extreme weather events (symbol image, credit CLOU)

    Enhancing resilience and disaster preparedness is crucial for power companies facing the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. By investing in resilient infrastructure, diversifying power generation sources, and implementing robust emergency response plans, power companies can mitigate the impact of hurricanes, wildfires, and floods, ensuring reliable electricity supply for the communities they serve.

  • November 29, 2024

    The Human Factor in Cybersecurity
    Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure like Smart Grids

    Humans Often Act As Both Weak Links And Key Enablers In Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (symbol Image, Credit Clou)

    High-profile cases of successful cyberattacks against utilities and control systems serve as cautionary tales for those responsible for protecting the resilience of civilian essential services. A growing concern is how individual human actions could potentially jeopardize the reliability and stability of national networks.

  • November 17, 2024

    The Evolution of Encryption
    From Enigma to Modern Strategies

    Enigma Museo Scienza E Tecnologia Milano

    From the historic Enigma machine to modern encryption strategies, the field of cryptography has evolved exponentially. While the debate over weakening encryption for crime prevention persists, the importance of safeguarding data and privacy remains paramount in our increasingly digital world.