Cybersecurity can be a complex and unclear landscape to navigate. Threats seem to lurk in every corner, but it is often hard to get a definitive answer about how big the threat is or where you need to focus your attention.
In 2015 and 2016 the Ukraine power grid was severely compromised through cyberattacks. But what would it take for a cyber breach to bring the United States or United Kingdom, for instance, to its knees?
In the light of this uncertainty, how do utility leaders prepare for and mitigate, not only the cyber risk, but the potential financial and reputational risks associated with a threat that doesn’t play the rules, and is constantly evolving?
Smart Energy International in partnership with ESI Africa asked some of the following questions to our panel of experts:
- What are the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern cybersecurity and supply chain management?
- How do utilities across the power, water and gas sectors come to grips with the reality of cyber threats?
- What is the risk profile for utilities around the globe and are some more at risk than others?
- Where do you go for assistance or inspiration?
- Should you get someone to hack you to test your defences?
- Related content:
Interconnected world highlights supply chain concerns
Speakers:
Elizabeth Rogers, CIPP/US,
Partner,
Michael Best & Friedrich LLP
Clients benefit from Elizabeth’s extensive experience with a variety of regulatory, cybersecurity compliance, and technology-specific privacy matters. A former Chief Privacy Officer and General Counsel, she brings a unique and informed in-house perspective to her practice. Elizabeth routinely advises her clients on privacy and cyber risks and suggests practical risk mitigation steps that achieve business objectives.
Elizabeth focuses on issues including breach responses, privacy risk assessments, and enterprise-wide cybersecurity compliance frameworks across industries such as retail, health care, financial services, retail electric providers, education, and state and local governments. She devotes a significant portion of her practice to the energy sector, leading an internal cross-team of energy and cybersecurity attorneys, to assist the firm’s clients in the utility industry with their unique cybersecurity concerns.
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Ashley Hurst,
Partner,
International Sector Leader, Tech, Media and Comms,
UK
Ashley is a commercial litigator and solicitor-advocate with a particular specialism in disputes relating to the internet, data, and reputation. He is also Osborne Clarke’s International Head of Tech, Media and Comms.
His wide-ranging practice covers all sides of the media and internet spectrum, acting for broadcasters, publishers, content owners, website operators and internet intermediaries on a broad range of commercial and content-related disputes, investigations and risks.
Ashley advises some of the world’s leading technology companies and fast growth digital businesses on the challenges they face as they expand in Europe, including in relation to intermediary liability and regulatory risk. He is a recognised expert in data privacy and cybersecurity and is the first port of call for numerous international companies for cyber incident response.
Ashley is also a reputation and crisis management specialist. He is ranked as a leading individual for defamation and privacy in both Chambers & Partners and Legal 500. Before joining Osborne Clarke, he trained and qualified at Hogan Lovells and spent 10 years at Olswang.
