7.4 PHYSICAL AND CYBERSECURITY The security of our electricity system is fundamental to our quality of life and our economy. Introduction to Physical and Cybersecurity The electrical system is one of ten critical infrastructure sectors as defined by Canada’s National Strategy for Critical Infrastructure. The electricity sector is especially crucial because all the other critical infrastructure sectors depend on it. It is therefore vital that we identify emerging threats and protect the security, reliability, and stability of the integrated North American power grid.
Providing Stable and Reliable Power to Canadians While Canada’s electricity system falls within provincial jurisdiction, there are federal and cross-border bodies involved in helping to make the system safe and reliable. •
At the federal level, Public Safety Canada helps to develop management tools and facilitate information sharing in support of strengthening and maintaining the security and reliability of the Canadian electricity system.
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In the United States, this role is shared by the Department of Energy and the Department of Homeland Security. By participating in security forums at every level of government and on both sides of the border, Electricity Canada helps to ensure that the knowledge and expertise of the Canadian electricity industry contribute to our shared security.
Protecting the Grid The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) enforces Critical Infrastructure Protection Standards (CIP). All entities connected to the bulk transmission system must be CIP-certified and must adhere to the standards and provide regular reporting. Valuable steps forward could include: •
Increased funding and capacity for national computer emergency readiness teams
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Development of integrated, cross-border incident response plans for cyber and physical security threats of national significance
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Deployment of standardized, automated platforms for machine-to-machine information sharing
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Robust government interface with the electricity sector’s official information sharing and analysis centre
Electricity Canada strongly believes that the sharing of threat information between sectors and among governments across North America is our first line of defence in securing the integrity of our systems.
Electricity Canada | Electricity Fundamental in Canada: Student Handbook
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