GAO report highlights federal efforts to address electromagnetic risks

The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on Monday regarding critical infrastructure protection and federal efforts to address electromagnetic risks.

The report found that key agencies have taken various steps to address electromagnetic risks to the electric grid, with some actions aligning with the recommendations made in the 2008 Commission to Assess the Threat to the United States from Electromagnetic Pulse Attack (EMP Commission). Since 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Energy (DoE) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission have taken actions such as establishing industry standards and federal guidelines and completing EMP-related research reports.

DHS developed the guidelines to assist federal agencies and industries identify options for safeguarding critical communication equipment and control systems from an EMP attack. Additionally, agency actions and EMP Commission recommendations generally align with DHS and DoE infrastructure responsibilities, such as assessing risks and identifying key assets.

While progress has been made, the GAO found that some some action would be needed to improve defense against electromagnetic risks. DHS has not yet identified internal roles for addressing these risks, which has led to limited awareness of related activities within the department and reduced opportunity for coordination with external partners.