Avangrid works with a government fusion cell to combat cyber threats through data sharing

“By sharing raw data, we can map incidents geographically, track concerns, and overlay them with additional data to draw conclusions,” he explains. “For example, local site security assessments are more accurate because access to real-time data analytics gives us a better understanding of threats to critical infrastructure.”

The State Fusion Cell partnership not only helps Avangrid improve its security posture, but also highlights the importance of relationships with local, state and federal authorities in combating cybercrime.

The ability to reach fusion cells, the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, CISA or the US Coast Guard gives Avangrid a cybersecurity advantage. Instead of waiting for a formal report to be released, Antonellis says, on several occasions Homeland Security called Avangrid with urgent cyber threat information because the department recognized the possibility of a near-term threat to Avangrid's network.