C-suite Sessions: AEMO a “Canary in the Mine Shaft” for Energy Cyber Risks, says Gordon Dunsford

Australia’s critical infrastructure, including our electricity network, is increasingly vulnerable to cyber attacks. Power outages resulting from serious cyber incidents have the potential to cripple vital energy infrastructure.

In December, the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) published a final rule to better protect the electricity system against this threat. It also clarifies the role of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) in preparing for and responding to cyber attacks.

In this interview with ADAPT, AEMO’s tech chief, Gordon Dunsford, says that the manager of electricity and gas systems is a “canary in the mine shaft” (an early indicator of potential hazards) for the nation.

If Australia is “going to have a really bad day,” AEMO will be front and centre, he says.

“Cyber is a team sport in energy, we are so interconnected digital and data-wise. That particular rule change really allows AEMO, more formally…to really step up into…