Raytheon, Utilidata form alliance to enhance power grid security

SCOTT DEPASQUALE is chairman and CEO of Utilidata Inc., which is partnering with Raytheon Co. to help power utilities proactively detect, defend against and respond to cyberthreats. / PBN FILE PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY
SCOTT DEPASQUALE is chairman and CEO of Utilidata Inc., which is partnering with Raytheon Co. to help power utilities proactively detect, defend against and respond to cyberthreats. / PBN FILE PHOTO/RUPERT WHITELEY

PROVIDENCE – Raytheon Co. and Utilidata Inc. are joining forces to help power utilities fight cyberthreats.

As power utilities have invested in making the power distribution “smarter” and more connected, they can leave themselves vulnerable to cyberattacks, according to the companies.

Through the alliance, the companies will help power utilities proactively detect, defend against and respond to cyberthreats. They will assist with cyber monitoring, post-attack forensics analysis and enhance cybersecurity to prevent future attacks.

“Power utilities face unique challenges that make planning and response to cyberattacks more difficult,” Scott DePasquale, chairman and CEO of Utilidata, said in prepared remarks. “With more and more devices and systems connected to the internet, and all of them needing electrical power, these challenges are increasing exponentially. This new alliance will help define the future of cybersecurity in the power utilities sector.”

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Dave Wajsgras, president of Raytheon’s Intelligence, Information and Services business, said the alliance will allow Raytheon to expand its presence in the “critical infrastructure market by delivering next-generation, defense-grade cybersecurity capabilities to power utilities.”

A large section of the Ukranian power grid was shut down in a cyberattack in December 2015, an incident the federal Department of Energy identified as an “indicator of what is possible,” according to a news release from the companies.

Raytheon, based in Waltham, Mass., specializes in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions, while Utilidata is a global software company that works with electric utilities to enhance energy efficiency and grid security.

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