What does the energy transition mean for cyber security? What effect on security will widespread electric vehicles have? Do you have what it takes to defend a SCADA system from attack?
For a week starting 3rd September, students from TU Delft and UTwente will find out.
Jointly organised by the universities, ENCS and Netbeheer Nederland, Energy Cyber Security Week will give 22 students knowledge and a first-hand taste of cyber security in the energy sector.
As second year students on a two-year cyber security specialisation masters programme, the attendees are well versed in the fundamentals of cyber security and on the cusp of starting their careers in the industry.
However, with every facet of society now dependent on cyber-systems, it’s difficult for young talent to know where to start when considering their options. To help, each year the programme organises a week-long event exploring a particular industry from a cyber security perspective.
By hosting Energy Cyber Security Week, we hope to show students that not only is the energy sector foundational to society and one of the most critical sectors to protect against attacks, it’s also a rewarding place to start a cyber security career.
To inspire the students, we will host a specially modified version of our exclusive Red Team/Blue Team training, which pits hackers versus defenders in a live simulation built with real grid components. ENCS members and partners including Stedin, Alliander, Enexis and Elaad will present on topics as diverse as electric vehicles to smart meters, as well as an overview of the energy sector and its transition to a smarter (but more vulnerable) future.
For students, it’s a chance to explore a fascinating sector with rich career opportunities while for the companies involved, it’s a unique chance to work with the next generation of talent for an extended period.
At ENCS, we’re proud and excited to play a role in nurturing the next generation of cyber security experts. It’s no secret we have a skills gap in the energy sector and need to do more to encourage young people to forge careers in the sector. Proactive cooperation between both the public and private sectors and forward-thinking universities such as TU Delft and UTwente are an essential part of doing so.
