Critical infrastructure

Energy Department, University of Hawaii Hold Cybersecurity Training Events

The Department of Energy and the University of Hawaii System held public cybersecurity training workshops in late October to reduce damage caused by cyberattacks on critical power infrastructure.

The CyberStrike: Lights Out and CyberStrike: Nemesis events saw 123 attendees from 73 organizations across Hawaii, UH said Monday.

According to the university, the workshops delivered instructions and hands-on exercises to improve how critical infrastructure operators prepare for incidents affecting operational technology. The activities took elements from recent cyberattacks on the sector, including 2015 and 2016 incidents in Ukraine.

Alan Ito, an information technology workforce development official at UH, said the event also provides local organizations with training not normally available in Hawaii.

Brian Marko, assistant director for exercises, training and workforce development at the Energy Department’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security and Emergency Response, said another goal behind the training efforts was to raise awareness of career and development opportunities in the state.