Lockheed Martin to Provide Idaho Falls Power Utility Cybersecurity Services
Lockheed Martin will provide Idaho Falls Power with cybersecurity support for its utility smart grid operations, according to Lockheed.
As an initial project, Lockheed Martin will support Idaho Falls Power as it implements a citywide, two-way communications Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system. The system will allow the utility to securely collect and analyze energy readings from advanced energy meters. The project is part of the Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project that spans five states, including Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.
Lockheed Martin is responsible for assessing the Idaho Falls Power AMI network architecture to perform a risk assessment, identify security requirements, and provide recommendations for design elements and controls to mitigate vulnerabilities. Once the network is in place, the team will perform penetration testing and establish operational controls for the operations and maintenance of the systems.
"We have experience building and securing enterprisewide cybersecurity programs for many of our customers, and we have tailored and implemented our security approach specifically for the unique environment of the U.S. utility sector," said Ken Van Meter, principal of Lockheed Martin’s energy solutions. "We're proud to help Idaho Falls Power as they build this capability and secure such an important part of their smart grid infrastructure."
Lockheed Martin will not only assess and support the AMI network architecture, but also the systems integration for the utilitywide network smart grid network architecture.
"Lockheed Martin's experience and expertise in energy systems and cybersecurity will allow us to roll out and implement our AMI system and smart grid infrastructure as safely and securely as possible," said Mark Reed, smart grid project manager of Idaho Falls Power.
In addition to smart grid cybersecurity projects, Lockheed Martin is working with its customers to address the nation's challenges in the areas of cybersecurity; energy-efficiency, management and storage; next-generation alternative-energy generation; and climate monitoring. The corporation provides a full range of energy solutions to the government and industry, including the Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, state and regional energy organizations, utilities and businesses.