In a time when cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and frequent, the Ministry of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, in cooperation with the U.S. Embassy, is undertaking a set of measures to protect the energy infrastructure from potential threats.
Concrete activities for setting up Energy CSIRT (Computer Security Incident Response Team) within the Ministry, as a sector team on cyber security in the energy sector was discussed at today’s meeting at the Ministry.
Representatives from the Ministry of digital transformation were present at the meeting, as well as representatives from institutions within the energy sector: MEPSO, ESM, EVN, NOMAGAS, MEMO and the Regulatory Commission on energy, water services and municipal waste management services.
Kristian Dorschner was present at the meeting as a representative from the US Embassy, as well as Metodi Hadzi-Janev, representative of CRDF Global and Steven Newton, cyber-security counselor of the Ministry of digital transformation.
„Energy security and cyber security are inseparably linked. Therefore, establishment of EnergyCSIRT represents the investment in resilience, stability and the security of the state. Energy CSIRT represents one of the key pillars for protection of critical infrastructure in energy sector. As a response to the cyber-space challenges, that are more often directed especially toward energy systems, it is necessary to build mechanism that will enable timely disclosure, coordinated response and efficient exchange of informations for cyber incidents“, was emphasized at today’s meeting.
As a branch of the Government CSIRT, EnergyCSIRT will coordinate the response to cyber incidents, conduct threat analysis, and strengthen the cyber resilience of critical energy infrastructure.
At today’s meeting it was highlighted that Energy CSIRT shoould not be considered only as technical structure, but as a platform for cooperation among all relevant stakeholders–operators of critical infrastructure, state institutions, regulatory bodies and international partners. Beside the establishment of Energy CSIRT, a specilized OT Training center is planned to be established, dedicated to development of human capacities in the area of operational technologies and industrial control systems.
The aim is to establish a platform for coordinated response on cyber incidents, exchange of information on threats and vulnerabilities, support in management of incidents, development of standards and good practices and organizing exercises and testing the preparedness of institutions.
The Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources will continue with the practise of following world trends and good practices aimed at establishment of sustainable and efficient system on syber security in energy sector.
With regards,
Ministry of energy, mining and mineral resources
