A new cybersecurity tool called V-INT (Automated Vulnerability Intelligence and Risk Assessment) has been launched through a collaboration between the Department of Energy’s (DOE) CESER office, cybersecurity firms Bastazo and Network Perception, and researchers from the University of Arkansas. This cutting-edge solution is designed to help energy utilities identify and address security vulnerabilities, especially those related to complex firewall policies in operational technology (OT) systems.
The initiative is part of a DOE-funded project aimed at improving the energy sector’s defenses against escalating cyber threats. The toolset gives utilities the ability to simulate realistic attacks and gain a clearer understanding of how their systems might appear to cyber attackers. These insights help in prioritizing the most critical vulnerabilities for remediation.
V-INT Delivers Realistic Risk Assessment Through AI and Network Modeling
According to Philip Huff, co-founder and chief scientist at Bastazo, “V-INT enables companies to conduct realistic attack simulations to provide a clear view of how their vulnerabilities appear from an attacker’s perspective.” The tool integrates advanced vulnerability and threat intelligence with deep analysis of asset exposure, delivering actionable insights that organizations can use to shore up their defenses.
V-INT is built to work seamlessly with existing commercial technologies from it and Network Perception. It brings to the table its AI-driven platform that focuses on OT security remediation, narrowing down critical vulnerabilities and generating efficient work plans. The company, born out of CESER’s cyber investments at the University of Arkansas, focuses on helping utilities tackle the top 3 percent of high-risk issues, minimizing workload while ensuring compliance and operational security.
Collaboration Fuels Innovation and Commercialization of V-INT
Robin Berthier, founder and former CEO of Network Perception, emphasized the importance of such collaborative efforts, stating, “In the face of the increasing complexity of today’s OT networks, collaborative research initiatives are vital to safeguarding critical infrastructure from evolving cyber threats.” Network Perception, now a part of Dragos, provides tools that model and visualize network access pathways. This feature is essential to V-INT’s ability to quickly assess network exposure and focus on protecting vital OT assets.
The toolset is now available with user-friendly deployment options, detailed technical documentation, and promotional materials. It currently leads the commercialization of V-INT, ensuring that more energy utilities across the country can access and benefit from the tool. With this innovation, stakeholders aim to set a new standard for cybersecurity readiness in the energy sector.
