5 Questions with...Emil Pe?a
Emil’s career has been centered primarily in the Energy sector. He is currently the president of Emil Pe?a Interests which is a consultancy that focuses on the advancement of the global Energy Industry. Previously, he was the Director of Public Affairs at Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) and served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Natural Gas and Petroleum Technology, Office of Fossil Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy. Additionally, Emil’s professional affiliations included the Energy program at Rice University, the Texas Oil and Gas Association, the National Petroleum Council and the North America Energy Standards Board.?
What are your passions??
?For a long time, my interests have been in the energy sector. I want to see this industry get more efficient and more secure. The energy sector presents many challenges as it gets more digitized and has issues overlapping into other arenas, like insurance.? Personal passion? My family is the most important thing in my life.?
?
How did you get interested in cybersecurity??
Throughout my career experiences, safety was the most important overarching theme. As I mentioned, the energy sector is becoming more digitized, and this is where cyber health and security becomes essential.? With that said, the government regulations and implementation in Energy are still lagging. It all comes together and more needs to get done.?
?
What are some macro cybersecurity risks and opportunities??
There are civilian-based critical infrastructure systems that have physical and virtual security gaps that in fact present risks to our overall national security. For example, the U.S. electrical, oil and gas, energy systems are inextricably tied to supporting our military. We are in a national security crisis. Therefore, we should use a “National Security Issue Order” to accelerate the use of new technologies to airgap old and antiquated power utility systems. Holistically we need to be looking into upgrading critical infrastructure networks in the name of national security.?
?
What are you currently working on??
One big project I’m working on is an effort with the International Centre for Chemical Safety and Security (ICCSS) and the National Aerospace University. We are launching a comprehensive International Manual on Cybersecurity for Critical Industries at the Warsaw-Kyiv Resilience Forum 2024.? This publication will define cybersecurity issues, terms, parameters, etc. at a global level and will be updated annually. You see, there is a major international challenge where it seems everyone talks past each other when discussing cyberthreats and solutions. Thus, when developing coordinated resolutions, efforts are often hampered. This Manual hopes to bring unified guidance on a global scale. I’ve contributed throughout the chapters and particularly with regard to the US perspective on insurance and risk management. Overall, education of cyber risks is the key to guiding solutions.?
?
What do you hope to accomplish with Invisinet??
I was really intrigued by Invisinet’s technology and its unique way of preventing hackers from penetrating critical systems. I see a great intersection between problem and solution in my area of expertise in energy, oil & gas infrastructure as well as state and local government projects. I’d like to see Invisinet help these sectors with their vast digital security gaps.?
?
?
?
?
?