“Sharing raw data allows us to plot incidents geospatially, track concerns, and overlay with additional data to make conclusions,” he explains. “For instance, local site security assessments are more accurate because our access to real-time data analysis gives us a better understanding of the threats to critical infrastructure.”

In addition to helping Avangrid improve its security posture, the state fusion cell partnership highlights the importance of relationships with local, state, and federal agencies when combating cybercrime.

Being able to reach out to fusion cells, the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, CISA, or the US Coast Guard gives Avangrid a cybersecurity advantage. On several occasions, says Antonellis, instead of waiting for a formal report to be issued, Homeland Security called Avangrid with urgent cyber threat information because the department saw the possibility of a near-term threat to Avangrid’s network.