National Grid Security in the USA | Keeping the Electricity Grid Secure

The security threat landscape

In an increasingly digital world, cyber threats are constantly emerging and evolving. Five trends in this evolving security threat landscape are¹:

1. Growing risks for critical infrastructures

2. Ransomware

3. Supply chain exploitation

4. Commercial spyware

5. Artificial intelligence

As owners of critical infrastructure, we face these and other threats. We are committed to protecting our energy system from threats by implementing a combination of organizational policies, strategic actions, and advanced physical and digital technologies.

This is how we ensure the security of the network

At National Grid, we use several industry-recognized frameworks to implement the appropriate security measures, whether it's cybersecurity, physical security or personnel security. In addition, we are committed to complying with relevant laws, regulatory requirements and power reliability standards.

Our employees: If you see something, say something

People are our greatest asset in protecting the network. We're proud of our diverse community of many long-term employees who help keep us safe by identifying suspicious activity. We make it easy and convenient to report suspicious behavior, and we respond efficiently to all reports. We support this culture through our award-winning security awareness and training team.²

Robust controls

In one month, our cybersecurity teams identified 23.9 million emails attempting to reach National Grid email addresses. Of these, 11.6 million were identified as potentially malicious and therefore blocked from entering. The remaining 12.3 million were identified as safe and were able to reach their intended destination.

Developing security

As technology advances and new technologies emerge, threats also increase. That's why we are committed to a proactive security approach that always stays one step ahead of external threats. We achieve this by:

• Organizational policy
• Training and awareness raising of employees
• Cooperation with law enforcement and government agencies
• Participation in industry safety organizations
• Sharing and exchanging threat intelligence
• and more.

How can you help?

Power grid security is a complex challenge and we do it with the help of our customers. You can help protect our power systems by protecting yourself online³Stay alert to utility fraud and report any suspicious behavior.

1. Protect yourself from utility fraud

If you are contacted by someone claiming to represent National Grid, we recommend that you always ask for identification.

Learn more about how to protect yourself from utility fraud

2. Physical security reporting

If you are in or near a National Grid building or physical infrastructure and notice any concerning activity, please report it to your local police. In an emergency, dial 911.

Report an incident to the Department of Homeland Security

You can also report incidents involving personal injury or property damage directly to National Grid:

e-mail: (email protected)

Phone: 844-290-0722

3. Cybersecurity and fraud reporting

If you receive an unexpected and suspicious-sounding call, email, or message claiming to be from National Grid, please report it. If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, please call your local law enforcement authorities immediately.

Report suspected fraud to the FTC

Report suspected cybercrime

If you are concerned about an unsolicited or unexpected email that appears to come from National Grid, please notify us immediately by emailing (email protected).

Sources

¹ Fact Sheet: 2024 United States Cybersecurity Posture Report | ONCD | The White House

² Security Excellence Awards 2024 – Winners 2024 (computing.co.uk)

³ 4 things you can do for your cybersecurity | CISA