Measuring Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Cybersecurity for Renewable Energy Systems

Abstract

Renewable energy systems need to be able to make frequent and rapid adjustments to address shifting solar and wind production. This requires increasingly sophisticated industrial control systems (ICS). But, that also increases the potential risks from cyber-attacks. Despite increasing attention to technical aspects (i.e., software and hardware) of cybersecurity, many professionals and scholars pay little or no attention to its organizational aspects, particularly to stakeholders’ perceptions of the status of cybersecurity within organizations. Given that cybersecurity decisions and policies are mainly made based on stakeholders’ perceived needs and security views, it is critical to measure such perceptions. In this paper, we introduce a methodology for analyzing differences in perceptions of cybersecurity among organizational stakeholders. To measure these perceptions, we first designed House of Security (HoS) as a framework that includes eight constructs of security: confidentiality, integrity, availability, technology resources, financial resources, business strategy, policy and procedures, and culture. We then developed a survey instrument to analyze stakeholders’ perceptions based on these eight constructs. In a pilot study, we used the survey with people in various functional areas and levels of management in two energy and ICS organizations, and conducted a gap analysis to uncover differences in cybersecurity perceptions. This paper introduces the HoS and describes the survey instrument, as well as some of the preliminary findings.

Appendix

• A. In my organization, I am a/an:

  • Executive (CEO, CFO, VP, etc.)

  • Functional or Line Manager

  • Professional (Consultant, Engineer, In-house Expert, etc.)

  • Other organizational member

• B. In my organization, I work in area of:

  • Information Technology (IT) Security

  • IT, but not Security

  • Operational Technology (OT) Security

  • OT, but not Security

  • General/Physical Security

  • Business Security Policy or Management

  • Other, i.e., not in Security, IT, or OT (e.g., Marketing, Accounting, HR, etc.), Please specify: ________

Assessment Scale:

• 1 = In my view, this security statement is true to a very SMALL extent in my organization.

• 7 = In my view, this security statement is true to a very LARGE extent in my organization.

Importance Scale:

• 1 = In my view, it is NOT at all Important that my organization address this security statement.

• 7 = In my view, it is VERY Important that my organization address this security statement.

• 1. The organization’s business strategy sets direction for its cybersecurity practices.

• 2. The organization has adequate safeguards against internal and external threats to its data and networks.

• 3. In the organization, cybersecurity funds are appropriately distributed.

• 4. In the organization, the IT group takes cybersecurity seriously.

• 5. The organization’s data and networks are available to approved users.

• 6. The organization has adequate policies for when and how data can be shared.

• 7. The organization has adequate technology for supporting cybersecurity.

• 8. People in the organization carefully follow good cybersecurity practices.

• 9. The organization has a well-defined and communicated cybersecurity strategy.

• 10. Cybersecurity is a funding priority in the organization.

• 11. The organization uses its IT security resources effectively to improve cybersecurity.

• 12. The organization has adequate policies about user identifications, passwords, and access privileges.

Assessment Scale:

• 1 = In my view, this security statement is true to a very SMALL extent in my organization.

• 7 = In my view, this security statement is true to a very LARGE extent in my organization.

Importance Scale:

• 1 = In my view, it is NOT at all Important that my organization address this security statement.

• 7 = In my view, it is VERY Important that my organization address this security statement.

• 13. The organization adequately monitors its data and networks against possible attacks.

• 14. Cybersecurity is a business agenda item for top executives in the organization.

• 15. The organization has well-defined policies and procedures for cybersecurity.

• 16. People in the organization can be trusted to engage in ethical practices with data and networks.

• 17. The organization has procedures for detecting and punishing cybersecurity violations.

• 18. In the organization, business managers help set the cybersecurity strategy.

• 19. The organization makes good use of available funds for cybersecurity.

• 20. The organization provides good access to data and networks to legitimate users.

• 21. The organization has a rapid response team ready for action when cyber attacks occur.

• 22. The organization protects its confidential corporate data.

• 23. People in the organization are aware of good cybersecurity practices.

• 24. The organization’s data and networks are usually available when needed.

• C. What is the biggest concern that you have about cybersecurity? (need not be included in the questions above) _____________________________

• D. Any other comments or suggestions? _____________________________

• E. If you would like to receive a copy of our research results, please provide your email address: (optional) Email: ___________________________

We thank you for your time spent taking this survey.