Utilities previously focused on IT risks from insiders, rather than physical attacks by outsiders. For example, Virginia-based Dominion Resources Inc. plans to spend up to $500 million over the next five to seven years to protect its critical infrastructure from man-made physical threats and natural disasters, and stockpile equipment for major damage recovery.
The substations that are considered critical elements of the nation's electric power grid also are the most vulnerable to intentional damage from malicious attacks, the Congressional Research Service report said.