The utility sector faces an evolving security landscape, presenting significant challenges alongside opportunities for growth. Convergint, in collaboration with partners and customers, has identified these issues and opportunities and keeps them at the forefront as we work together to tackle 2025. Addressing these issues requires a strategic approach that emphasizes collaboration, education, and proactive measures. Convergint connected with partners, customers, and industry experts at this fall’s Utilities Think Tank to identify those that we collectively see as most critical

Key Challenges Facing Utilities

  • Fragmented Organizational Alignment
    Silos within utilities often lead to vulnerabilities. Without clear alignment and understanding across departments, security efforts remain disjointed. Breaking down these barriers is essential to mitigating risks effectively.

  • Knowledge and Training Gaps
    Utilities often rely on employees without security training to oversee remote facilities. Comprehensive training programs can enable all personnel to recognize and report potential threats. A foundational shift—akin to “see something, say something” but tailored to utilities—can significantly enhance security.

  • Risks from Legacy Systems and OT Integration
    Outdated operational technology (OT) systems and their convergence with modern IT infrastructures create unique vulnerabilities. Understanding and segmenting these systems to protect critical assets is a priority.

  • Security Perception as a Cost Center
    Security departments frequently struggle to justify their value to the enterprise. Quantifying security’s contributions—such as preventing incidents that could result in significant financial losses—can reframe security as a value-adding partner.

Opportunities for Growth

  • Proactive and Strategic Security
    Transitioning from reactive to proactive security measures is essential. Building a strategic framework can enable utilities to address risks comprehensively and advocate for necessary resources within their organizations.

  • Strengthening Internal Collaboration
    Aligning security with IT, engineering, and asset management teams is critical to overcoming internal resistance. Communicating security’s relevance in terms of business outcomes and operational efficiency fosters cooperation.

  • Data-Driven Decision-Making
    Real-time data and metrics are becoming indispensable tools for security. Dashboards for incident management, compliance, and stakeholder engagement can support continuous improvement. Using data to tell a compelling story enhances buy-in from leadership.

  • Embedding Security into Core Processes
    Integrating security into business operations rather than treating it as an add-on mitigates risks and strengthens security’s role as an enabler of business success.

The Path Forward

As utilities navigate the complexities of 2025, the industry must embrace innovation, foster collaboration, and prioritize education. Convergint is committed to supporting security leaders by providing tailored strategies, data-driven insights, and solutions that align security goals with organizational objectives.

Convergint Utilities brings a wealth of expertise and resources to the table, helping utilities address challenges head-on while capitalizing on opportunities for growth. Through continuous improvement, stakeholder engagement, and cutting-edge solutions—Convergint ensures utilities can enhance their resilience and maintain security as a cornerstone of operational success.

Effective security and safety is a multi-layered approach involving people, processes, and technologies. Convergint-provided products and services are only one part of this multi-layered approach, will not detect or prevent all threats or solve every risk, and should not be your sole method of security or safety. Please see the “IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY AND SERVICE INFORMATION” documentation, available at convergint.com/terms, prior to using a Convergint-installed system.

Contact us

Convergint Utilities is leading the utilities sector towards 2025 by focusing on expertise, strategic partnerships, customer engagement, and social responsibility. Through in-depth industry knowledge, collaboration with key stakeholders, and a commitment to community involvement, Convergint not only prepares for the future but actively shapes it. This dedication to innovation and excellence empowers utilities nationwide, ensuring a secure and resilient environment.

The Convergint Utilities team delivers expertise, innovation, partnerships, and engagement, all in support of our ability to be our customer’s best service provider. Contact Convergint today to discover how industries can enhance operations and security. Our team is positioning utilities for success in a rapidly evolving landscape.

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