Raytheon, Utilidata to provide cybersecurity for power utilities

Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Raytheon is collaborating with Utilidata to deliver defense-grade cybersecurity capabilities to power utilities.

In a statement announcing the partnership, Raytheon says power utility companies have expressed interest in upgrading their cyber defenses. To deliver this capability, Utilidata is to provide threat detection and response technologies, while Raytheon will supply automation, threat hunting and managed security services.

"With this alliance, Raytheon will expand our presence in the critical infrastructure market by delivering next-generation, defense-grade cybersecurity capabilities to power utilities," Raytheon's Dave Wajsgras said in a press release.

Utilidata CEO and chairman Scott DePasquale added power utilities face challenges that make cybersecurity responses more difficult, and thus have a unique need for stronger defenses.

"With more and more devices and systems connected to the internet, and all of them needing electrical power, these challenges are increasing exponentially," he said. "This new alliance will help define the future of cybersecurity in the power utilities sector."

Additional services will also include cyber monitoring, post-attack forensics analysis and long-term strategies to counter future threats.