With a Little Help from Your Friends: Collaboration with Vendors During Smart Grid Incident Response Exercises

Abstract

The introduction of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) into conventional power grids has resulted in a digitalized smart grid, enabling a more efficient and robust operation. However, it can also lead to increased risk and new threats due to more complex systems and longer supply chains. Recent events indicate that the electrical power grid is an attractive target, promoting the need for well-prepared incident management processes that involve external vendors. This paper addresses this through the development of scenarios for collaborative preparedness exercises, and an investigation into which factors may contribute to making it easier to include vendors in preparedness exercises.