DOE to Create New Office for Cyber and Energy Security

Last week, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced plans to create a new office to “bolster” its energy and cyber security efforts. The new Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER) will contribute to DOE’s expanded national security portfolio, focusing on energy infrastructure security. The office has been granted $96 million in funding in the White House budget also released last week, and will be led by an Assistant Secretary who will report to the Under Secretary of Energy.

In a press release, Energy Secretary Rick Perry said, “DOE plays a vital role in protecting our nation’s energy infrastructure from cyber threats, physical attack and natural disaster, and as Secretary, I have no higher priority. This new office best positions the Department to address the emerging threats of tomorrow while protecting the reliable flow of energy to Americans today.”  The DOE press release also explained that the creation of CESER will “elevate the Department’s focus on energy infrastructure protection and will enable more coordinated preparedness and response to natural and man-made threats.”

For further information, click here: https://www.energy.gov/articles/secretary-energy-rick-perry-forms-new-office-cybersecurity-energy-security-and-emergency