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Cybersecurity a strategic imperative for power sector: UP additional Chief Secy Bhooshan
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In a strong push to fortify India’s critical infrastructure, Uttar Pradesh’s Additional Chief Secretary for Energy, Narendra Bhooshan, underscored the urgent need for cyber resilience in the power sector during the Conference on Cybersecurity Awareness recently held in Lucknow.
“Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical requirement — it has become a strategic necessity,” Bhooshan said, emphasising that the digital transformation of India’s power sector has made it a prime target for sophisticated cyberattacks, including state-sponsored intrusions.
Power Sector: A High-Value Target
Bhooshan highlighted how the sector’s rapid digitisation — including the proliferation of smart grids, meters, and integration of renewable energy — has expanded the attack surface for cyber threats. Decentralised energy models, driven by solar, wind, hydro and EV networks, have only added complexity to this landscape. “Electricity is the backbone of our economy. As we aim for a developed India under Viksit Bharat @2047, our energy systems must be secure, resilient and future-ready,” he noted.Uttar Pradesh has taken significant strides to bolster cyber resilience within its energy infrastructure. The state has deployed over 30 lakh smart meters equipped with in-built encryption and real-time monitoring capabilities, ensuring both efficiency and security at the consumer level. A 24×7 Centralised Security Operations Centre (CSOC) has been established to monitor and respond to cyber threats across UPPCL utilities.
Additionally, the State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) in Lucknow has achieved ISO 27001 certification, underscoring its commitment to international standards of information security management. These efforts are further reinforced through regular cyber audits and vulnerability assessments aimed at proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks. These measures, Bhooshan said, position UP as a frontrunner in cybersecurity preparedness in the energy sector.
The road ahead
Looking ahead, Bhooshan outlined four strategic priorities to strengthen cybersecurity in the power sector. He emphasized the adoption of a Zero Trust architecture, where no user or device is automatically trusted, to minimize potential breaches.
The use of artificial intelligence and data analytics was highlighted as essential for real-time threat detection and anomaly monitoring. He also stressed the importance of investing in skill development to build a robust pool of specialized cyber defence professionals.
Lastly, he called for reducing supply chain vulnerabilities by encouraging the use of trusted, indigenous hardware and software solutions, thereby enhancing the sector’s overall security and self-reliance.
