/EINPresswire.com/February 24, 2012, Dallas, TX — Security experts from utility, industry, and government will gather in Dallas, TX, March 27-29, for the first annual GridSec conference, which will explore the technical threats and opportunities, industry drivers and challenges, and business case and market size for Smart Grid security.
As smarter information technologies are applied across critical infrastructures, the vulnerability to cyber threats and need for advanced security solutions have never been greater. In fact, by 2015, the annual worldwide market spending on Smart Grid cyber security could reach $1.3 billion, according to Pike Research.
From the organizer of GridWeek, ConnectivityWeek, Grid-Interop, and other leading Smart Grid events, the inaugural GridSec conference will gather key security stakeholders — including utilities, energy industry executives, technology vendors, IT and communications companies, standards organizations, government agencies and regulatory bodies.
“A secure grid is not an option; it’s a requirement. And as more information technology is added to our electrical infrastructure, the more complex the task of security becomes,” said Mike Ahmadi, COO, GraniteKey, LLC. “It’s in the industry’s best interest to gather top security minds from utility, government, and the private sector to tackle this challenge head-on. GridSec will do this.”
More than 40 speakers from leading utilities, government organizations, security companies, and technology vendors will gather to discuss three critical areas of cyber security:
-Technology: In-depth discussions on the technical challenges and solutions for securing the grid — focused on advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and beyond, industrial-control systems, communications cyber security, home area networks (HAN), plug-in electric vehicles (PEV), and more.
-Industry: Discussions on industry-wide security drivers, originating from regulatory bodies, standards development organizations, and government agencies, as well as key insights on workforce development.
-Business: Conversations on navigating, understanding, and interpreting the cyber security business case for utilities, vendors, service providers, and consultants.
“As the Smart Grid evolves, so must the conversation,” Ahmadi said. “The purpose of this event is to elevate the conversation to include vital parts of our energy infrastructure beyond the electric grid, and tackle the often complex discussions surrounding operations, such as risk management and secure workforce development. This takes us beyond technology, and into vital organizational roles.”
Organizations represented with speakers at GridSec include: Austin Energy, Oncor, Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD), Southern Company, Sempra Energy, Southern California Edison (SCE), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), California Public Utility Commission, Energy Reliability Council of Texas, IBM, EnerNex, Pike Research, and more.
Organized by Clasma Events, GridSec will take place in Irving, TX, right outside of Dallas, from March 27-29. Normal registration ends March 12.
-To register: http://gridsec.com/2012/#registration.
-To learn about sponsorship opportunities: http://gridsec.com/2012/#sales.
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About Clasma Events
Clasma Events, Inc. specializes in strategic conferences at the center of the worldwide energy discussion. Clasma’s major events include ConnectivityWeek, GridWeek, Grid-Interop, and GridSec.
Clasma, GridWeek, ConnectivityWeek, Grid-Interop and GridSec are trademarks or registered trademarks of Clasma Events, Inc. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.
Media Contacts:
Allison Eckelkamp
allison@clasma.com
(508) 769-6276
