The Iowa State University Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, in conjunction with the Electric Power Research Center, held a two-day short course that covered basic principles of cyber security. The course, called ‘On Cyber Security of the Electric Power Grid with Attacks-Defense Training,’ was offered July 15-16 in Coover Hall.
The course covered specific problems and regulations unique to public utilities, and participants were given hands-on experience with cyber attacks and defenses. The class was designed to appeal to engineers that work in operations, communications, or any other business area where cyber security might be a concern.
Colin Christy, Program Manager for EPRC, organized the course. Doug Jacobson, University Professor, Julie Rursch, lecturer, and Manimaran Govindarasu, professor and ECpE Associate Chair, provided instruction. A number of Iowa State faculty and staff joined 23 attendees from outside the university as part of the class.
Christy says the course offers a benefit to a wide variety of people, and more courses may be offered in the future.
“I think the professors and the attendees were pleased with the results,” Christy says. “And I think we’ll do more of these in the future. The results look positive.”