Rise of Need of Security In the Energy Sector – 21st Century:

This security power sector is similar to other industries and sectors, which are concentrating on the
advancement of security level for the business.
The energy and fuel sector comprise many important and precious items like fossil fuels and covers
the sectors of:
- Wind energy
- Solar energy
- Fossil fuels
- Nuclear power
- Electricity
This sector provides all the facilities to the country whether it be moving from one place to another.
Utilizing electricity or airplanes.
So, for the safety and security of the energy sector. Safety measures must be taken just similar to the
other sectors from threats. The rate of utilization of energy is to its fullest around the world. The tasks
to run industries, airports, gas stations, and many more are fulfilled by the energy sectors.
2009 Stuxnet attack:
Cyber Warfare was utilized in the year 2009 recently. In July 2009, an extremely complex computer
bug was produced by combined efforts of US and Israel Intelligence. The target was a Nuclear power
facility in Iran. Controlling the rotating power of machines and finally breaking the centrifuges.
Moreover, the bug caused the nuclear program of Iran to start again as it started back in the years.
Not only that but it caused damage physically.
Cyber Security:
Way physical security has increased in many states. For example, in the state of California,
@AmericanForeverSecurity and many other agencies have set the bar high. Similarly, cybersecurity
should be increased in the energy sector to protect productivity and machines too. Not similar to
what was explained above, but the Energy sector faces different problems instead. Attacks on vehicles
of industries, data robbery, and much more cause many effects on the industry and its employees.
The threats not only include only Cybersecurity, threats, but threats that are physical are also faced by
many sectors. Bombings and striking the industries with numerous types of attacks may lead to the
destruction of various projects in the energy sector. This may cause a shortage of anything associated
with the power sector, such as electricity and fuel which are utilized the most.
Threats Caused By Leaked Information:
The energy sector, making everyone dependent on the lifestyle supported by the energy sector. There
is a possibility of threats. But the threat can always come from the internal sector. This threat requires
a much stronger counter from the intelligence teams. Another requirement is to protect this sector
with the help of the formation of supported policies in the countries. The same policies were provided
by Donald Trump in the United States of America. But the policies have caused more danger towards
the energy sector.
Deregulation and its Effect:
The effects caused by deregulations in the year 2000 and the years after were disastrous. The energy
crisis caused in California in the year 2001 is an example. The electricity industry in California opened
for competition by passing a deregulations bill the next year. This caused the bills to multiple three
times the normal rates. This also caused the dropping of 5% due to heavy usage in power reserves.
The number of customers affected was 97000+ in numbers in San Francisco. The circumstances were
caused by several important factors. One factor was the heat of the summer in California that led to
much requirement of electricity but not enough supplies. The second was the Pacific Northwest
decreased the electricity amount. The blackouts didn’t stop, although the federal government took a
step and sold the electric companies to California. But, in the year 2003, the situation settled and the
emergency was under control now. Another reason for blackouts was the dramatic or fake shortage
of electricity created by electric companies. Which eventually helped the crisis grow more in the years
200 and 2001 also. This shortage planned and faked caused a loss of billions due to the surcharges.
The biggest offender was Enron who led the shutdown of one power plant due to false accusations
and reasons which caused the markets in Canada to be manipulated. Rigging had been completed
before the introduction of deregulation in the year 1998. Which resulted in profiting billions due to
the crisis in California.
Conclusion:
The crisis in 2000 and 2001 plus Enron’s participation is an example of how security policies must be
present to protect any downfall of the energy sector. Since the Energy sector is a gold mine for many
who can manipulate and can gain dollars in a huge amount for their amusement. The last 2 decades
are the prime example of how the regulations have impacted the fluctuation in the bills of electricity
and caused power shortages. After the implementation of new political services under the rule of
democrat will certainly help the sector rather than destroying the electricity sector as of previously.
Due to the number of cyber threats and physical threats towards the energy sectors. This sector will
seriously change its shape in the next decade or so. As renewable energy is taking over and fossil fuel
is still one of the most used sources of energy. Multiple policies will be intact to secure the sector.
Due to the utilization of energy in the current modern world, there is no second spent without the use
of energy.
Moreover, the current government of the United States of America must consider the possibility of
further threats and problems in the energy sector. The energy power sector cannot be left alone and
is also one single city of itself providing the needs of people every day.
Consequently, many people are working in the energy sector whether it be the electrical sector or the
water sector. These employees must receive proper protection from threats whether from inside or
external sources. The safety and security of the energy sector are in the hands of new policies
and securities against cyber and physical threats or losses. We can hope for the energy sector to
change its shape and level of security and protection in the upcoming 20 to 30 years, If you liked the
post then do follow for more. And keep reading posts regarding the energy sector and security.