The electric grid is the interconnected system that generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to homes, businesses, and industry. In modern environments, it is not just physical equipment such as generators, transformers, and substations; it is also a cyber-physical network managed by digital controls, sensors, SCADA systems, and remote communications.
This matters in cyber security because an attack on the grid can disrupt availability, damage equipment, or affect safety. Threats may include ransomware on utility networks, unauthorized access to control systems, false telemetry, or manipulation of switching commands. Defenders monitor grid data for anomalies, segment operational technology from corporate networks, and use threat detection and human review to distinguish real incidents from noisy data or normal operational faults. Protecting the grid means protecting both electricity delivery and the digital systems that control it.