Reconciling the Cybersecurity Workforce Needs of Utilities and Universities

In 2021, the Colorado electric cooperative Delta-Montrose Electric Association (DMEA) was hit by a cyberattack that disrupted its payment processing, billing, and other internal systems. While the electric grid was not impacted, it took over a month to bring the affected systems back online.¹ This incident is one of many unfortunate stories that are becoming an all too familiar headline. From sophisticated ransomware attacks to state-sponsored espionage, the potential consequences of a successful cyberattack on a utility company are far-reaching. These attacks could have devastating impacts on individuals, businesses, and national security. Before diving into how academia is addressing the cybersecurity need, it should be noted what the current cyber threats facing the utilities industry are, why this sector is particularly vulnerable and targeted, and the growing need for cybersecurity talent to mitigate these risks.