U.S. reviews threats to energy from cyberattackers

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- A roadmap on cybersecurity can help policymakers protect critical U.S. energy infrastructure from evolving threats, U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said.

"As the cyberthreat landscape evolves, continuing to strengthen and refine the ways in which the energy sector and others can protect critical infrastructure is vital to the nation's security and prosperity," he said in a statement Wednesday.

Moniz said a manual on cybersecurity was updated to help identify ways to defend against cyberattacks on the energy sector. Apart from the guideline on best practices, Moniz said he would work with the Department of Homeland Security and other relevant agencies to improve defense capabilities.

Cybersecurity is emerging as a new national security priority. Russian Internet security company Kaspersky Lab this week said an attack dubbed The Mask may be state-sponsored.

Cheryl LaFleur, acting chairwoman of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, said "broader emphasis" is needed on protecting U.S. energy infrastructure.

"A major interruption in service could have devastating effects on our nation's citizens and economy, whether it is caused by severe weather, a cybersecurity incident, or a physical attack," she said in a statement Wednesday.