Starting in the fall of 2023, the Department of Energy’s Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) will host six cybersecurity training events specifically for the electric subsector in partnership with Idaho National Laboratory (INL).  Each training event will provide 3 days of lectures and hands on exercises and challenges.  Registration costs for the Cybersecurity Training for the Utility Workforce will be free for participants.  Participants will be expected to cover their own costs for travel, lodging, and meals.

This training is designed for technical practitioners in electric utilities that require a hybrid set of skills across information technology (IT), industrial control systems and operational technology (ICS/OT), cybersecurity, and electric grid operations. All utility employees that have a responsibility for managing grid operations and the digital infrastructure of U.S. based electric utilities, including cooperative, public power, tribal, and investor-owned utilities, are encouraged to attend. 

Each training event will cover the same material but will be offered in different locations – one event will be located in each of the six NERC regions.  Participants do not need to be from a NERC registered utility.  Registration links and a brief description of the classes are below.

This series of training events is supported by the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also commonly known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The BIL is a once-in-a-generation investment in American infrastructure. The BIL appropriates more than $62 billion to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to invest in American manufacturing and workers; expand access to energy efficiency and clean energy; deliver secure, reliable, clean, and affordable power to more Americans; and demonstrate and deploy the technologies of tomorrow through clean energy demonstrations.

Agenda

Suggestions on Workshop Selections

Below are our suggestions for the course selections that may make the most sense for your job role.

Additional CESER opportunities:

Below is additional information about cybersecurity funding and training opportunities available from CESER.

Rural and Municipal Utility Cybersecurity (RMUC) Program

• Applications for the Advanced Cybersecurity Technology (ACT)1 Prize are due November 29, 2023. Electric utilities competing in the ACT 1 Prize can win up to $200,000 in cash and technical assistance to improve their cybersecurity posture. 
• For more information about the RMUC program see https://www.energy.gov/ceser/rural-and-municipal-utility-advanced-cybersecurity-grant-and-technical-assistance-rmuc and sign up for RMUC program updates at ceser.rmuc@hq.doe.gov 

Operational Technology (OT) Defender Fellowship

·     Applications for the OT Defender Fellowship 2024 Cohort are due September 30, 2023.  This year-long fellowship is a unique, tailored, and highly selective training and education program that provides participants an opportunity to learn from experts at the top intelligence and national security agencies while connecting with peers facing similar challenges and threats. https://www.energy.gov/ceser/articles/doe-announces-call-2024-operational-technology-defender-fellowship-application

CyberForce Program

·      Registration for students to participate in the November 2023 competition closes September 29, 2023.  DOE’s CyberForce® Program seeks to inspire and develop the next generation of skilled cyber defenders for the energy sector through hands-on competitions, webinars, and a virtual career fair.  The ninth iteration of the CyberForce Competition will be held on November 4, 2023.  https://cyberforce.energy.gov/

Sign up for email updates from CESER at:  https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDOES3/signup/34585