Russian Hackers Pose Threat to ERCOT
It was more than a pandemic ago when Russian hackers tried to disrupt the 2016 US election. Since then, Russian hackers can’t seem to stay out of the news. Texas local governments faced ransomware attacks in 2019. Now, hackers have their sights on the US energy sector, targeting gas and electric companies. Can Texas power providers withstand Russia’s best attacks? To be sure, energy suppliers aren’t taking the threat lying down.
Are Russian Hackers Poking Around Energy Infrastructure?
Since Russia invaded Ukraine last month, Texas energy companies have been on edge coping with a greater risk of cyber attacks. European countries are wrangling with energy options as Russian natural gas and oil becomes unavailable, and worldwide energy prices are on the rise. By increasing US liquified natural gas (LNG) production, the Biden administration seeks to aid Europe in reducing their dependence on Russian natural gas. Texas draws the focus of Russian hackers because of the state’s robust oil and gas production.
In a worst-case scenario, hackers could breach the state’s power grid to choke off electricity for millions of Texans. In turn, this could slow down oil and gas production as well as delay shipments from Texas sea ports. The Port of Corpus Christi is now the third largest sea port in the US. It is also the country’s second largest natural gas exporter.
Handling Russian Hackers
A Public Utility Commission of Texas spokesperson told the Texas Tribune the agency takes protecting the Texas grid seriously. They are closely monitoring the increased risk of cyberattacks on the Texas power industry. They are also working with regulated industries to communicate information on emerging threats, alerts, and warnings from the federal government.
Though hackers attempt to breach energy companies all the time, energy companies fortunately have ample cybersecurity measures in place that keep them at bay. Of course, energy companies don’t want to tip off any bad actors. So, they can’t be too forthcoming on their latest cybersecurity protocols. However, a cyberattack on the Colonial Pipeline last year caused East Coast gas shortages. The pipeline carrying fuel from Texas went down for five days.
However, there have been recent victories. The US Federal Bureau of Investigations disrupted a Russian cyberattack attempting to create a network of devices to clog servers with rogue traffic. While this particular gambit didn’t hit the energy industry, but it shows that the US can robustly defend computer networks.
Learning From Winter Storm Uri
Winter Storm Uri broadsided Texans who lost power for several of the coldest days of the year. However, that bleak week in 2021 warns everyone to prepare. Have several days worth of food, water, and medications on hand in case Russian hackers do the worst.
You can learn more about how this and other important factors affect your home’s electricity rates at https://www.texaselectricityratings.com/electricity-rates. Compare electricity rates to find the power plan to meet your needs.