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The Mississippi Department of Safety (DPS) is working with a biometric and identity solutions provider, to allow residents to store and display an up-to-date driver’s license or ID on their phones that can be used as a legal form of ID. It can be shown anywhere users would normally show their driver’s license, including online to access state services.
The Mississippi Mobile ID ensures data security and privacy of personal information by only storing information with the state’s system of record and on the user’s device. It allows users to share only specific identity-related information, such as their birth date when buying alcohol, rather than all the information contained on a physical driver’s license.
After downloading the app, users set permissions and verify access to their phone numbers. They scan the front and back of their driver’s license and take a picture. After the app verifies the information and photos with the state department of motor vehicles, it can be used in place of a physical ID where app readers are available.
To unlock the app to display ID information, users input a password or take advantage of their phone’s native fingerprint or face authentication capabilities. By verifying identity prior to transactions, the state can streamline processes, reduce fraud and improve residents’ experience, officials said. In addition, verifiers can be confident the identity they are accepting is authentic and up-to-date because Mobile ID allows DPS to push information updates such as an address change or status update.
While Mississippi Mobile ID will be voluntary; it is our belief that residents will find this new service to be secure, private and convenient.
– Sean Tindell, DPS Commissioner
States have been experimenting with digital driver’s licenses for several years. Iowa’s Department of Transportation began testing a mobile driver’s license developed. In a three-month pilot in, Virginia residents could download a mobile driver’s license app and use it for age verification at establishments that participated in the pilot, which included some convenience stores, local breweries and other retail locations.
Louisiana became the first state to make digital licenses available via the LA Wallet app to anyone who wanted them. The program was jointly designed by the motor vehicles office, the Louisiana State Police and the Department of Public Safety. It was developed for free by, a Louisiana software firm, at no cost to the state. It is currently used by 670,000 state residents across 1.2 million devices. In May 2021, the state announced that residents could also carry an electronic version of their COVID-19 vaccination records in their LA Wallet.
Most recently, a giant tech company announced that Arizona and Georgia, to be followed by Connecticut, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma and Utah, will soon allow their residents to securely add a digital driver’s license or state ID to the digital wallet app.
As reported by OpenGov Asia, U.S. cities are starting to utilise digital vaccine passports, but many consumers are concerned about their security. As a result, adoption rates are limited because, after all, without trust in the security and functionality of digital passports, citizens are less likely to share their sensitive personal information.
As city and state governments begin to roll out digital passports, security must be at the forefront to build trust and ensure widespread adoption. This is particularly important after the lack of security and privacy associated with contact tracing apps led to much lower adoption than governments had wanted.
Digital health care presents a number of challenges for governments and businesses, but digital vaccine passports are a much simpler problem to solve. By providing a secure and easy-to-use digital mechanism for verification of vaccination status, governments can accelerate the re-opening of the economy and build a secure and trusted foundation for further digital health care initiatives in the future.
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In a landmark display of indigenous innovation, the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) unveiled its latest breakthrough: the NeoStand Electric Standing Wheelchair. This cutting-edge mobility solution promises to redefine accessibility for wheelchair users across India.
With its emphasis on user empowerment and well-being enabled by technology, NeoStand stands poised to usher in a new era of accessibility, where every individual, regardless of ability, can realise their full potential.
Led by Professor Sujatha Srinivasan, Head of the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and Device Development (R2D2) at IIT Madras, the development of NeoStand represents a significant milestone in the quest for inclusive technology.
At the heart of NeoStand lies a commitment to user-centric design and functionality. Unlike conventional wheelchairs, NeoStand features a motorised standing mechanism that allows users to effortlessly transition between sitting and standing positions with the push of a button. This innovative feature opens up a world of possibilities for individuals with mobility impairments, enabling them to engage in face-to-face interactions, access higher shelves, and experience the physical and psychological benefits of standing.
The launch event illuminated the profound societal impact of NeoStand, showcasing its potential to redefine accessibility and inclusivity for individuals with mobility impairments. By bridging the gap between innovation and social responsibility, NeoStand symbolises a transformative shift towards a more equitable and empowering future
“These translational research endeavours underscore our commitment to fostering social impact through innovative solutions,” remarked Professor Kamakoti. “Indeed, NeoStand represents more than just a mobility aid; it symbolises a paradigm shift in how we perceive and address the needs of individuals with disabilities.”
One of the key drivers behind NeoStand’s development is its emphasis on promoting user independence and well-being. For many wheelchair users, the ability to stand remains an elusive goal, often hampered by physical limitations and reliance on external assistance. NeoStand seeks to address these challenges head-on, offering users the freedom to stand comfortably whenever needed. This not only enhances their physical health by improving blood circulation and digestion but also fosters a sense of empowerment and autonomy.
The journey from concept to reality has been made possible through a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders. Sponsored by a company as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative and developed in partnership with NeoMotion, an IIT Madras-incubated startup, NeoStand exemplifies the transformative potential of public-private collaboration.
“The launch of a new product this evening for the differently abled signifies a turning point in our endeavour to foster inclusiveness and empowerment,” remarked Mr. Sudhakar Rao, IAS (Rtd), Member of the Board of Directors at the company.
Professor Srinivasan, the driving force behind NeoStand’s development, highlighted the device’s therapeutic benefits and ease of use. “Integrating standing functionality into a wheelchair provides health benefits as well as functional and psychological benefits to the user,” she explained.
Testimonials from users like Mr. Justin Jesudas, a quadriplegic individual, further attest to the life-changing impact of NeoStand who noted that, “The ability to stand with just a push of a button makes the wheelchair even more inclusive, helping quadriplegics to stand independently.”
Looking ahead, NeoStand stands out for individuals with mobility impairments, promising a future where accessibility knows no bounds. As India continues to embrace innovation and inclusivity, initiatives like NeoStand serve as a testament to the transformative power of technology in shaping a more equitable society.
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In a significant stride towards enhancing cybersecurity in the realm of consumer Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and the Connectivity Standards Alliance (Alliance) recently signed a Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA). This milestone agreement underscores a shared commitment to bolstering international cooperation and coordination in cybersecurity, with a specific focus on advancing the security standards of consumer IoT devices.
The MRA, signed by Mr Chua Kuan Seah, Deputy Chief Executive of CSA, and Mr Tobin Richardson, President & Chief Executive Officer of the Connectivity Standards Alliance, facilitates the mutual recognition of cybersecurity labels for consumer IoT devices.
By harmonising standards and procedures, the arrangement aims to reduce duplication in testing and costs for manufacturers, thereby fostering a more robust cybersecurity environment for consumer IoT devices globally.
Central to the MRA is the exchange and alignment of information related to relevant standards, requirements, and practices concerning the cybersecurity labeling of consumer IoT. This collaboration lays the groundwork for future developments in cybersecurity certification and labeling schemes, ensuring that evolving threats and technological advancements are adequately addressed.
Mr Chua Kuan Seah emphasised the significance of achieving global alignment for consumer IoT cybersecurity, citing it as a key objective since the launch of Singapore’s Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme in 2020. The agreement with the Alliance represents a significant step forward in this endeavor, bringing Singapore closer to its goal of establishing internationally recognised cybersecurity standards for IoT devices.
By promoting Cybersecurity-by-Design and Cybersecurity-by-Default principles, the MRA incentivises manufacturers to embed robust security measures into their IoT devices, ultimately enhancing cybersecurity for consumers worldwide.
The Connectivity Standards Alliance, formerly known as the Zigbee Alliance, is a consortium of companies devoted to developing standards envisioning seamless interaction to enhance daily experiences. With a membership of over 500 companies, the alliance collaboratively creates application profiles for interoperable products, thereby advancing IoT connectivity and fostering innovation in the industry.
Singapore remains deeply committed to bolstering cybersecurity measures both domestically and internationally. At the national level, initiatives are aimed at fortifying the nation’s digital defences, safeguarding critical infrastructure and protecting citizens and businesses from cyber threats. These efforts include the implementation of robust cybersecurity frameworks, regular cybersecurity exercises and drills, and the promotion of cybersecurity awareness among the populace.
The Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) plays a pivotal role in safeguarding Singapore’s cyberspace to bolster national security, support the digital economy, and protect the digital way of life. Through initiatives like the Singapore Cyber Emergency Response Team (SingCERT), CSA swiftly responds to cybersecurity incidents, ensuring the detection, resolution, and prevention of cyber threats.
As part of the Prime Minister’s Office and managed by the Ministry of Communications and Information, CSA oversees national cybersecurity functions, collaborates with sector leads to protect critical information infrastructure, and engages stakeholders to raise cybersecurity awareness.
OpenGov Asia reported that Singapore, represented by CSA, collaborates closely with ASEAN Member States (AMS) to establish the ASEAN Regional Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT), facilitating information-sharing and enhancing cybersecurity incident response coordination across the region.
Despite a significant increase in scam cases by nearly 50% to 50,376 in 2023 from 33,669 in 2022, proactive cybersecurity measures have led to a positive outcome. These positive trends are attributed to collaborative efforts among various agencies and stakeholders, including the Singapore Police Force, Infocomm Media Development Authority, Cyber Security Agency of Singapore, Smart Nation Group, Monetary Authority of Singapore, and private sector partners.
Singapore’s proactive efforts, including the proposal to host and fund the ASEAN Regional CERT’s physical activities, demonstrate its commitment to fostering regional cooperation and safeguarding critical information infrastructure on a transnational scale.
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Vietnam has emerged as a promising market in the global data centre landscape, with significant growth projected in the coming decade. According to the latest report from Viettel IDC, the country’s data centre market is forecast to reach a value of US$1.26 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8%. This projection underscores Vietnam’s increasing importance in the digital economy and its potential to become a key player in the data centre industry.
Despite its promising outlook, Vietnam’s data centre market currently lags behind its regional counterparts in terms of size. Compared to countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, Vietnam’s data centre market is relatively small. However, this is expected to change in the coming years as the country experiences rapid economic growth and invests heavily in digital infrastructure.
One of the key drivers of growth in Vietnam’s data centre market is the increasing demand for digital services and cloud computing. With the rise of e-commerce, digital banking, and other online services, there is a growing need for secure and reliable data storage and processing facilities. Data centres play a crucial role in meeting this demand by providing the infrastructure necessary to support these services.
Another factor contributing to the growth of Vietnam’s data centre market is the government’s support for digital transformation initiatives. In recent years, the Vietnamese government has prioritised the development of the digital economy as part of its broader economic strategy. This has included investments in digital infrastructure, as well as policies aimed at promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in the tech sector.
Furthermore, Vietnam benefits from a skilled workforce and relatively low construction costs compared to other countries in the region. This makes it an attractive destination for companies looking to establish data centre operations in Southeast Asia. Additionally, the government has implemented supportive regulatory frameworks to encourage investment in the sector, further stimulating growth.
Domestically, the data centre market in Vietnam is dominated by a few major players, including Viettel, VNPT, FPT, and CMC. These companies collectively hold approximately 97% of the market share, indicating a high level of concentration in the industry. However, there are still opportunities for new entrants, particularly in niche segments or specialised services.
Looking ahead, Viettel IDC predicts a significant expansion of Vietnam’s data centre market in the coming years. Plans are underway to build megacentres in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, with an estimated total capacity of up to 450 MW. This represents a substantial increase from the current capacity and reflects the growing demand for data centre services in the country.
In addition to data centres, Vietnam’s cloud computing market is also experiencing rapid growth. While the market size is currently smaller than that of neighboring countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, Vietnam has the highest growth rate in the Southeast Asia region and ranks third in Asia overall. The projected growth rate of Vietnam’s cloud market over the next 5-10 years is expected to be around 19-20%, driven by increased adoption of cloud services by businesses and consumers.
Vietnam’s data centre market presents significant opportunities for growth and investment in the coming years. With supportive government policies, a skilled workforce, and increasing demand for digital services, Vietnam is well-positioned to become a major player in the global data centre industry. As the country continues to invest in digital infrastructure and technology, it is poised to emerge as a leading hub for data centre operations in Southeast Asia and beyond.
OpenGov Asia reported that Vietnam is rapidly becoming a key player in the global data center market, driven by factors like increasing digitalisation among SMEs, a tech-savvy young population, the rollout of 5G technology, and a rising demand for independent digital infrastructure and data sovereignty.
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Indonesia has been making strides in the realm of public service technology. Back in 2019, Indonesian President Joko Widodo announced his intentions to digitalise the government by 2025. The country has been focusing on digital transformation to improve public services and make them more accessible to citizens.
The Indonesian government has been enhancing digital-based public services to integrate all government digital platforms through a single sign-in for user convenience. They are also designing the National Digital Service Integration policy, which includes nine priority digital services: education, healthcare, social assistance, and population administration.
The Ministry of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB) focuses on the sustainability and replication of public service innovations, particularly leveraging digital technology to enhance these efforts. As part of this initiative, 20 government agencies are participating in a pilot test and calibration of instruments that will later be used to evaluate public service innovation development.
As Assistant Deputy for Coordination and Facilitation of Public Service Best Practice Development Strategy at the Ministry of PANRB, Ajib Rakhmawanto stated during the Pilot Test and Calibration of Instruments for Public Service Innovation Development Evaluation in Jakarta, “The Ministry of PANRB has a programme this year related to the evaluation of public service innovation development. This is a follow-up to the Public Service Innovation Competition (KIPP) we have been organising for the past 10 years, which needs to be evaluated to improve innovation development, especially in terms of KIPP implementation in the future.”
Critical aspects of the public service innovation development evaluation include monitoring the sustainability of Top Innovations, replication efforts, and the assessment of public service innovation development that has been ongoing in various government agencies.
To generate reliable and valid data or information, the Ministry of PANRB, in collaboration with experts from Gadjah Mada University and the University of Indonesia, has formulated evaluation instrument drafts. This pilot test aims to ensure the prepared evaluation instruments can accurately benchmark future public service innovation development evaluations.
Ajib encourages active participation in the pilot test of the prepared instruments, aiming to determine their reliability and validity for potential improvements.
Nailuredha Hermanto, a First Policy Analyst at the Ministry of PANRB, highlighted the goal of the public service innovation development evaluation: to gather information on the achievements of the Public Service Innovation Development Programme (PIPP) over the last decade, from 2014 to 2023. The review will focus on government agencies that have undertaken public service innovation development, along with the 1065 Top KIPP Innovations from 2014-2023 and innovations resulting from the replication of Top KIPP Innovations.
The evaluation utilises three instruments:
- A form for assessing the capacity and outcomes of innovation development by government agencies.
- A form for measuring the sustainability of innovations designated as Top KIPP Innovations.
- A form for evaluating innovations that result from replicating Top KIPP Innovations.
Agencies are encouraged to inventory whether they have replicated any award-winning KIPP innovations, as these can be assessed through the replication form.
The 20 government agencies participating in this pilot test and calibration of evaluation instruments for public service innovation development have previously been involved in KIPP and were selected as Top Innovations. This focus not only emphasises the importance of continuous innovation in public service but also underlines the crucial role of digital technology in facilitating these advancements.
Nailuredha remains optimistic that Indonesia is on course to achieve its goal of unified e-government by 2025 despite acknowledging that considerable work is yet to be completed. Since 2020, the country has made significant progress in enhancing e-government services and infrastructure, now moving into the implementation phase to guarantee uniform government service provision across all levels of government agencies, including both central and local bodies.
“The successful digitalisation of Indonesia’s government services by 2025 hinges on ongoing efforts. The eventual realisation and appearance of an e-Government in Indonesia remain to be seen with time,” Nailuredha concluded.
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CSIRO successfully delivered an innovative 3D mapping technology package to the International Space Station (ISS). This cutting-edge system marks a pivotal advancement in space technology, promising to revolutionise navigation and task execution aboard the orbiting laboratory.
As space exploration expands, the need for efficient inventory tracking, damage assessment, and emergency response in off-Earth environments becomes more evident. With lunar and Martian missions looming, where crew time is limited and some facilities may be uncrewed, the demand for accurate autonomous systems is critical. Additionally, rovers and robots exploring extraterrestrial terrain rely on precise mapping data for effective navigation.
In response to these challenges, CSIRO has developed a fused sensor system for autonomous 3D scanning in collaboration with an international air and space tech company, NASA Ames Research Centre, and the ISS National Laboratory. Originally designed for terrestrial applications like remote mine site access, this technology is now set to be demonstrated aboard the International Space Station (ISS).
The multi-resolution scanning payload will be integrated into an Astrobee robot platform, which supports astronaut activities on the ISS. This marks the first time a single piece of technology will utilise both payload bays of an Astrobee robot simultaneously.
Once deployed on the ISS, the multi-resolution scanner will conduct experiments, including full internal scans, beginning with the Japanese experimental module (Kibō). The data collected will support tasks such as inventory analysis, traditionally requiring human intervention, demonstrating the potential for autonomous caretaker functions on uncrewed spacecraft.
The culmination of extensive research and collaboration, this groundbreaking payload is poised to enhance the efficiency and safety of astronauts working on the ISS. Integrated into Astrobee, a versatile robot platform developed by NASA, the 3D mapping device is primed to generate detailed three-dimensional maps of the space station, surpassing previous mapping capabilities with unprecedented accuracy.
Dr. Marc Elmouttie, Research Group Leader at CSIRO, highlighted the overarching goal of this mission, stating, “Our objective is to demonstrate the efficacy of our technology in providing enhanced 3D sensing and mapping for robotics systems on spacecraft.”
This advanced mapping capability holds immense potential for streamlining operations within the ISS, enabling precise tracking of inventory movement and facilitating optimal planning of onboard activities for astronauts and mission controllers.
The technology behind this groundbreaking payload combines two pioneering CSIRO innovations – Stereo-Depth Fusion and Wildcat Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping. This synergy produces high-quality data about the surrounding environment and the device’s movements in space, offering unparalleled insights into spatial dynamics within the ISS.
Developed in collaboration with an international air and space tech company, with support from the ISS National Laboratory and NASA Ames Research Centre, this project underscores CSIRO’s commitment to innovation in remote operations and aerospace manufacturing. Leveraging its expertise in these domains, CSIRO aims to propel space exploration into new frontiers by advancing the capabilities of robotic systems in space environments.
Dr. Ryan Reeves, Technical Director of Research and Innovation for the ISS National Laboratory, emphasised the significance of testing such innovative technologies in low Earth orbit. He noted that these endeavours play a crucial role in shaping the future of space commerce and exploration, driving advancements that will pave the way for unprecedented scientific breakthroughs.
With the successful delivery of the 3D mapping payload to the ISS, the stage is set for a new era of space exploration. The device’s integration into the Astrobee platform marks the beginning of extensive experimentation and validation of its capabilities in the unique microgravity environment of the space station.
As the payload undergoes its first experimentation run in the Japanese Kibō module, anticipation runs high among scientists and engineers involved in the project. This milestone achievement represents a collaborative triumph in space technology, underlining the collective efforts of CSIRO, NASA and the international air and space tech company in advancing the frontiers of human knowledge and exploration beyond Earth’s boundaries.
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In a significant development, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released a comprehensive set of recommendations on the usage of embedded SIM (eSIM) for Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications. This comes at a crucial juncture, as the proliferation of IoT devices and the imminent rollout of 5G services underscore the pressing need for clear regulatory frameworks to govern emerging technologies.
Prompted by a directive from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), TRAI embarked on an extensive consultative process to solicit insights from stakeholders and industry experts. The formulation of these recommendations began with a consultation paper on ‘Embedded SIM for M2M Communications’ on 25 July 2022. TRAI then fostered extensive stakeholder engagement, including submissions and a virtual open house discussion on December 14, 2022, ensuring broad participation and inclusivity.
Against the backdrop of rapid technological advancement and evolving consumer needs, TRAI’s recommendations aim to address key challenges and opportunities in the realm of M2M communications. At the heart of these recommendations lies a dual commitment to fostering innovation and safeguarding consumer interests.
By delineating clear guidelines for the deployment and management of eSIM technology, TRAI seeks to lay the foundation for a robust and resilient M2M ecosystem that promotes transparency, security, and interoperability.
Central to TRAI’s recommendations is the imperative of ensuring robust security measures across the M2M value chain. Recognising the inherent vulnerabilities associated with IoT devices and the potential ramifications of security breaches, TRAI underscores the importance of implementing stringent Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols. By mandating proper verification procedures for device activation and subscription management, TRAI aims to mitigate fraud risks, safeguard network integrity, and enhance consumer trust in M2M communications.
TRAI’s recommendations encompass a comprehensive framework for profile switching of eSIMs and swapping of Subscription Manager-Secure Routing (SM-SR), thereby enhancing flexibility and choice for consumers. By enabling seamless transitions between different network providers and service plans, these provisions empower consumers to optimise their connectivity experience while promoting healthy competition within the telecom sector.
The rollout of 5G services in India has ushered in a new era of connectivity, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for innovation and economic growth. Against this backdrop, TRAI’s recommendations seek to capitalise on the transformative potential of M2M communications across diverse sectors such as agriculture, transportation, healthcare, and industrial automation.
Streamlining the regulatory landscape for M2M eSIMs will facilitate the seamless integration of IoT devices into existing networks, thereby catalysing the development of smart infrastructure and digital ecosystems.
Key stakeholders, including Unified Access Service License holders, Unified License holders, and M2M Service Providers, are envisioned to play pivotal roles in the implementation of these recommendations. By fostering collaboration and partnership between industry players, TRAI aims to ensure the effective deployment and management of eSIM technology, thereby enabling the realisation of India’s vision for digital self-reliance and technological sovereignty.
However, the journey towards realising the full potential of M2M communications is not without its challenges. TRAI acknowledges the complexities inherent in implementing these recommendations, particularly in the context of India’s diverse and dynamic telecom landscape. In this regard, TRAI has refrained from permitting the use of 901.XX IMSI series allocated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for M2M services in India, citing the need for a phased approach towards adoption and implementation.
TRAI’s recommendations represent a significant milestone in India’s journey towards harnessing the transformative potential of M2M communications. By providing a clear regulatory framework for the deployment and management of eSIM technology, TRAI seeks to foster innovation, promote consumer welfare, and advance the nation’s digital agenda.
As stakeholders gear up to embrace these recommendations, India looks to emerge as a global leader in M2M communications, driving sustainable development, and inclusive growth in the digital era.
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In the modern era, with digital technology at the core of virtually all aspects of life, from communication and work to home management and personal activities, the importance of energy resources such as oil and natural gas is immeasurable.
As people navigate this digital era, these critical energy resources’ seamless and secure availability is more significant than ever, highlighting a pivotal concern for ensuring society’s ongoing prosperity and well-being.
The ever-increasing interconnectedness of the global community means that the infrastructure facilitating the extraction, processing, and distribution of these indispensable resources is more reliant on digital networks and systems. This digital reliance introduces a complex web of vulnerabilities, making it imperative to safeguard these infrastructures from potential cyber threats that could disrupt the supply and integrity of oil and natural gas. The possible repercussions of such disruptions extend far beyond immediate economic impacts, threatening the fabric of the daily lives and national security.
In light of this, the United States has embarked on the initiative. The initiative, known as the 2023 Joint Cyber Defence Collaborative (JCDC) Pipelines Cyber Defence Planning Effort, represents an approach to cybersecurity in the energy sector.
It brought together more than 25 organisations from the Oil and Natural Gas (ONG) subsector, focusing mainly on high-throughput midstream natural gas pipeline owner-operators and their industrial control systems (ICS) vendors. This collaboration, in partnership with the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Energy, was designed to address the multifaceted challenges posed by cyber threats, ranging from ransomware incidents to the persistent threats posed by nation-states. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) 2023 Annual Threat Assessment highlighted the latter’s capabilities to disrupt natural gas pipelines.
The cornerstone of this collaborative effort was the development of the ONG Pipelines Reference Architecture. This comprehensive network architecture diagram, accompanied by guiding principles, was crafted by pipeline owner-operators and ICS vendors. It is intended to serve as a voluntary model, directing investments, planning, and operations to enhance network segmentation and mitigate the risk of intrusion campaigns.
This architecture embodies practical guidance for advancing risk management strategies. It underscores the critical relationship between network segmentation, multi-factor authentication (MFA), the management of external dependencies, and the essential protection of field devices.
The significance of the ONG Pipelines Reference Architecture cannot be overstated. It provides a tangible framework for the ONG sector to elevate its cyber defence capabilities, emphasising the need for an integrated approach to security that spans technological, operational, and strategic dimensions. By encouraging the adoption of best practices such as network segmentation and MFA, the architecture aims to create a more resilient digital infrastructure capable of withstanding the evolving threats of the digital age.
This initiative is a prime example of the vision the Cyberspace Solarium Commission set forth and subsequently codified by Congress. It embodies a proactive, collaborative approach to cyber defence planning, aiming to effect real change in the cybersecurity posture of the nation’s critical infrastructure. By bringing together the key stakeholders in the ONG subsector – midstream pipeline owner-operators, ICS vendors, and government agencies – the JCDC Pipelines Cyber Defence Planning Effort has laid a solid foundation for transformative actions designed to harden the nation’s largest natural gas pipelines against digital compromises.
The importance of this effort extends beyond the immediate benefits of improved cybersecurity for the ONG sector. It represents a forward-thinking approach to protecting the critical infrastructures that fuel the economy and daily lives against an increasingly digital and interconnected world. As cyber threats evolve in sophistication and scale, initiatives like the JCDC Pipelines Cyber Defence Planning Effort will be pivotal in ensuring the resilience and reliability of essential services.
Engagement with the ONG Sector Coordinating Council is encouraged for those seeking further details on the ONG Pipelines Reference Architecture or wishing to contribute to this ongoing effort. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a more secure and resilient digital infrastructure for the energy sector, highlighting the critical role of cross-sector collaboration in navigating the challenges of the digital age.