TAG Smart Energy Society Presents Securing the Grid: Smart Grid Vulnerability

ATLANTA, GA, January 25, 2012 (Press-News.org) The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) Smart Energy Society kicks off its 2012 program series with a Smart Grid Vulnerability panel discussion at the Georgia Tech Research Institute Conference Center Wednesday, Feb. 15.

As our nation's electric system expands with modern connected technologies and new sources of data, security and resiliency of the grid has emerged as a chief area of focus. Although hostile nation-states and terrorist organizations get much of the attention in grid cyber security, unauthorized utility personnel and domestic hackers are also potential threats.

"Cyber security continues to be a primary area of concern for the smart grid. Digital meters will change the way data is transmitted and stored, with millions of records available per customer where before only a monthly record was available," said Patty Durand, TAG Smart Energy Society program chair and Executive Director, Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative. "How will utilities store all this data, and how will they keep it safe from hackers? We are extremely pleased to bring together a panel of experts to discuss these important issues."

The panel will have three experts on cyber security and grid vulnerability, including:
- Tim Weidenbach, VP of Product Management, Landis+Gyr
- Ward Pyles, Senior Information Security Analyst, Southern Company
- Tobias Whitney, Senior Engineer of Strategy & Technology, General Electric

Topics will include:
- Areas of vulnerability related to customer data, terrorists, unauthorized employees and hackers
- The grid's ability to withstand a cyber attack
- Standards and practices necessary to secure the grid
- The proper balance of usability with security

Breakfast will be served at 7:30 a.m. The panel discussion begins at 8 a.m. and lasts an hour with the last half hour reserved for Q&A. The event is free for TAG members, $10 for nonmembers.

The Georgia Tech Research Institute Conference Center is located at 250 14th St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30318.

Visit: http://www.tagonline.org/SmartEnergy.php for event registration details and more information about the TAG Smart Energy Society.

The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 14,000 members and hosting over 170 events each year. TAG serves as an umbrella organization for 30 industry societies, each of which provides rich content for TAG constituents. TAG's mission is to educate, promote, and unite Georgia's technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy. The association provides members with access to networking and educational programs; recognizes and promotes Georgia's technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state's economic climate for technology. Additionally, the TAG Education Collaborative (TAG's charitable arm) focuses on helping science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education initiatives thrive. For more information visit the TAG website at www.tagonline.org or TAG's community website at www.TAGthink.com. To learn about the TAG-Ed Collaborative visit http://www.tagedonline.org/. To learn about the TAG Smart Energy Society visit http://www.tagonline.org/SmartEnergy.php.

Technology Association of Georgia

Becky Biggs
Becky@tagonline.org
(404) 920-2008