The detailed energy reform bill has a number of cyber security provisions that proponents claim will strengthen the ability to defend against cyber attacks<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell touted the bill earlier this week, saying that it, “would help deter attacks by erecting stronger cybersecurity defenses, and it would help provide for faster and more effective responses when threats do arise.”<\/p>\n The proposed legislation comes at a time when multiple cyber attacks have affected power grids in recent weeks: Ukraine, Ukraine again, and, most recently, Israel<\/strong><\/a>. The cyber attack on the power grid in Ukraine in December 2015 was the worst of the bunch, as it knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of Ukranians.<\/p>\n The bill would also reportedly authorize $100 million in yearly funding<\/strong><\/a> for research into energy grid security through 2025.<\/p>\n How to prevent attacks on the power grid: https:\/\/t.co\/v1erP65q7Y<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/6Irrsqk2Mm<\/a><\/p>\n — Fast Company (@FastCompany) February 4, 2016<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n![\"U.S.](\"https:\/\/utilitieslocal.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/work-933061_960_720-150x150.jpg\" "\\"U.S.")
<\/a>U.S. utilities urged to take steps to guard against cyber attacks<\/h4><\/a>Read more<\/a><\/div>\n
U.S. looks to bolster power grid cyber security<\/h3>\n
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