Raytheon, a technology and innovation firm specializing in defense, civil government and cybersecurity solutions, said last week it is partnering with Utilidata, a software company, to help power utilities proactively detect, defend against and respond to cyber threats.

“Power utilities face unique challenges that make planning and response to cyber attacks more difficult,” said Scott DePasquale, chairman and CEO of Utilidata. “With more and more devices and systems connected to the internet, and all of them needing electrical power, these challenges are increasing exponentially.  This new alliance will help define the future of cybersecurity in the power utilities sector.”

The effort will combine Utilidata’s experience in the use of real-time data from the electrical grid to detect and respond to cyberattacks and Raytheon’s expertise in proactive cyber threat hunting, automation and managed security services to provide “world-class cybersecurity, analytics and other innovative technologies,” said Raytheon.