In an early Congressional hearing after the first Assistant Secretary for CESER was confirmed, the challenge faced by the office was outlined as such: "Our Nation's energy infrastructure has become a primary target for hostile cyber actors, both state-sponsored and private groups.
Cyber incidents have the potential to interrupt energy services, damage highly specialized equipment, and threaten human health and safety.
Building on a history of innovation, CESER collaborates with industry partners and DOE National Laboratories to advance research and develop cutting-edge technologies.
By aligning resources and expertise, the office supports rapid recovery and mitigates the impact of energy interruptions, helping to safeguard the nation's critical infrastructure.
[6] CESER hosts the annual CyberForce Competition where students compete in an Industrial Control Systems- or Operational Technology-focused cyber defense exercise.
[8] CyTRICS has exceeded its government goals[9] and has expanded its partner base to include GE Power, Hitachi Energy, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electric, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, and Westinghouse.