Accenture, Dragos, and SANS have announced a $10 million initiative to help small US utilities defend against cyber threats. The first phase of the program will cover up to 500 utilities, which will receive security tools, equipment, deployment assistance, and training at no cost.
The effort brings together a major consulting firm, a cybersecurity company focused on industrial systems, and a training organization. That combination suggests an attempt to address both technology and workforce gaps, which are common challenges for smaller utilities with limited budgets.
The source does not specify a timeline for the first phase or how utilities will be selected. Still, the scale of the program — up to 500 utilities — signals a broad push to harden a critical part of the US electric grid.