ViaSat Helps Validate NREL's Cybersecurity Framework for Distributed Energy Grids

CARLSBAD, Calif., Feb. 16, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ViaSat Inc. (Nasdaq: VSAT), a global broadband services and technology company, has successfully completed vulnerability assessment, penetration testing and secure network implementation for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) distribution grid management (DGM) system test bed that is being used to develop an end-to-end empirically validated cybersecurity architecture for smart grid applications.

NREL performs research in different types of renewable energy and other Distributed Energy Resources (DER) to learn how these energy resources can be reliably and securely integrated to the electric grid at the transmission, distribution and end-use levels. With support from ViaSat and a select group of partners, NREL set out to develop an end-to-end cybersecurity architecture for a distribution system with DER.

To accomplish this, NREL created an end-to-end DGM system test bed capable of emulating a variety of power systems, use cases involving core distribution system assets and DER assets. ViaSat thoroughly tested, assessed and helped improve the cybersecurity of the DGM system through stringent penetration tests, which initially exposed a critical operational technology vulnerability that could be used to disrupt power delivery in a real-world scenario. Prior to a second penetration test, ViaSat assisted NREL by hardening the test bed. These improvements increased the overall security posture of the DGM 2.0 network, which proved capable of withstanding multiple exploits through successive layers of security, keeping the critical energy control system assets protected.

"The introduction of new technologies like smart meters and renewable energy resources requires the energy grid to move from a centralized architecture to one that is highly distributed, ultimately creating new security vulnerabilities," said Jerry Goodwin, chief operating officer, Government Systems Division, ViaSat. "For the past 20 years we've helped the Department of Defense transition from a stove-piped security architecture to a secure networked battlefield, and that experience has proved extremely valuable in helping NREL establish best practices for securing distributed energy systems."

"We are working to address the need to create an action plan that U.S. energy utilities can implement to make our Nation's distributed energy infrastructure more resilient to cyber-attacks," said Dr. Erfan Ibrahim, director of the Cyber Physical Systems Security and Resilience Center, under NREL's Energy Systems Integration Directorate. "Individual energy utilities can use the empirically validated cybersecurity specifications developed through this partnership to improve distribution system resiliency and better protect against internal and external cybersecurity threats of any level of severity."

For more information, please visit the ViaSat website and read the ViaSat/NREL case study.

About ViaSat

ViaSat, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSAT) keeps the world connected. As a global broadband services and technology company, ViaSat ensures consumers, businesses, governments and military personnel have communications access - anywhere - whether on the ground or in-flight. The Company's innovations in designing highest-capacity satellites and secure ground infrastructure and terminal technologies coupled with its international network of managed Wi-Fi hotspots enable ViaSat to deliver a best available network that extends the reach and accessibility of broadband internet service, globally. For more information visit ViaSat at:  www.viasat.com, or follow the Company on social media:  Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

Forward Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Forward-looking statements include, among others, statements that refer to the test and implementation of an end-to-end cybersecurity architecture for a distribution system. Readers are cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: negative audits by the U.S. government; changes in the global business environment and economic conditions; ViaSat's reliance on U.S. government contracts, and on a small number of contracts which account for a significant percentage of ViaSat's revenues; changes in relationships with, or the financial condition of, key customers or suppliers; reliance on a limited number of third parties to manufacture and supply ViaSat's products; increased competition and other factors affecting the communications and utility industries generally; the effect of adverse regulatory changes on ViaSat's ability to sell products and services; and ViaSat's dependence on a limited number of key employees.  In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in ViaSat's SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including ViaSat's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. ViaSat undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements for any reason.

Copyright © 2016 ViaSat, Inc. All rights reserved. All other product or company names mentioned are used for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners. ViaSat is a registered trademark of ViaSat, Inc.

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SOURCE ViaSat, Inc.