by Eddie Aveitia, NERC CIP Reliability Specialist
The Changing Threat Landscape
Artificial intelligence is changing how both attackers and defenders approach cybersecurity at power generation facilities. You don’t need to be an IT expert to understand the basics—and understanding matters is important because these threats can directly impact plant operations, safety systems, and grid reliability.
In simple terms, AI allows computers to learn patterns and make decisions. Hackers are now using AI to create smarter attacks that can adapt to defenses, craft convincing fake emails, and probe control systems for weaknesses faster than any human could. The same technology that powers voice assistants and recommendation engines is being weaponized against critical infrastructure like ours.
How AI-Powered Attacks Work
Traditional cyberattacks often relied on generic methods—mass phishing emails with obvious errors, or brute-force attempts to guess passwords. AI-powered attacks are different. They can analyze publicly available information about our plant and personnel to create highly personalized phishing messages that look legitimate. They can study how our control systems communicate and mimic normal traffic patterns to avoid detection.
For operations staff, this means the old advice of “look for spelling errors in suspicious emails” is no longer enough. AI-generated messages can be grammatically perfect and reference real projects or colleagues. Attackers may also target the industrial control systems (ICS) and SCADA networks that run our equipment, looking for ways to disrupt generation or damage equipment.
How AI Helps Defend Our Systems
The good news is that AI also strengthens our defenses. Modern security tools use AI to monitor network traffic and flag unusual activity—like a control system suddenly communicating with an unfamiliar server, or login attempts at odd hours. These tools learn what “normal” looks like for our plant and alert security teams when something deviates from that baseline.
This is called anomaly detection, and it works around the clock without fatigue. While our IT and OT security teams manage these tools, everyone plays a role. Reporting anything unusual—unexpected system behavior, strange requests for credentials, or equipment acting erratically—helps these AI systems learn and improves protection for the entire facility.
Your Role in Plant Cybersecurity
NERC CIP standards require us to maintain robust cybersecurity practices, and every employee is part of that effort. Be skeptical of unexpected requests, even from familiar names. Never share credentials or bypass security procedures, even under pressure. Report anomalies in control system behavior to your supervisor and IT/OT security. Participate fully in security awareness training. These fundamentals matter more than ever when facing AI-enhanced threats.
As AI technology evolves, so will both the threats we face and the tools we use to counter them. Staying informed and vigilant is the best defense we have. When in doubt, ask questions—your awareness is a critical layer of protection for our plant and the grid we serve.
