Protecting Smart Grids and Critical Infrastructure Are Top Concerns for Energy and Utility Firms

Rising energy demands, fluctuating oil prices, renewable integration, aging infrastructure and changing regulatory requirements are all challenges facing the energy industry today. While multiple approaches exist for addressing these realities, one constant remains -- technology will be at the heart of the majority of solutions. Whether it's sensors and cameras monitoring utility and oil and gas assets, drones that perform high-risk inspection operations, or machine learning tools that identify energy efficiency opportunities, technology innovation is critical for the future of the industry. The shift to smart electricity grids and digital oil fields does not come without risk. The technologies proliferating in the energy industry are also endangering it -- opening up critical systems to cyberattacks.