“Growing Emphasis on Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)”
- A key trend shaping the smart grid security market is the increasing implementation of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) to counter sophisticated cyber threats targeting critical energy infrastructure
- ZTA enforces continuous verification of devices and users, minimizing lateral movement of attackers and reducing the risk of insider threats or credential misuse
- This approach enables utilities to establish micro-segmentation, identity-based access, and strong endpoint controls across distributed grid environments
- For instance, in January 2024, Palo Alto Networks expanded its Zero Trust solutions to critical infrastructure clients, offering advanced visibility and control across smart grid ecosystems
- The widespread shift toward ZTA is redefining cybersecurity models in the smart grid space, aligning with regulatory frameworks and next-gen threat defense standards
