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Quick Take: An anti-smart-grid group that believes the smart grid is a global conspiracy to assert "absolute control in the lives and homes of the world's citizens" is now trying a new tactic to scare consumers away from grid modernization. The group has convinced a self-proclaimed security expert to issue a press release asserting that the entire power grid is at risk of being taken down by cyber attack. David Chalk goes so far as to predict "100% certainty of catastrophic failure of the energy grid within 3 years." - By Jesse Berst

Chalk's comments were made in an online interview for a coming documentary film, Take Back Your Power, which is being produced for online release soon. In a press release announcing the documentary, Chalk said "We're in a state of crisis. The front door is open and there is no lock to be had. There is not a power meter or device on the grid that is protected from hacking – if not already infected – with some kind of Trojan horse that can cause the grid to be shut down or completely annihilated."

Chalk also threw down a challenge to governments, media and technology manufacturers to "show him one piece of digital technology that is hack-proof." He said he will demonstrate that it can be hacked. "I'll do it on national TV, I'll do it anywhere. But I can guarantee you 100% that there is nothing out there today – nothing – that can't be penetrated."

The press release goes on to quote a BC Hydro official and current and former U.S. government officials as saying the grid is extremely vulnerable, and quotes an audit released by the office of Inspector General Gregory Friedman in which auditors said energy officials knew of the vulnerabilities but OK'd projects anyway.

Contacts listed in the press release include the documentary's producer Josh del Sol and a Chalk executive assistant.

We all know grid security is a major issue. So, are Chalk's dire pronouncements exaggerations or is he giving us the straight stuff? Please use the Talk Back form below to tell us what you think.

Editor's note: Chalk's profile on Network Speakers Canada lists him as a keynote speaker on security and business topics, the founder of a chain of computer stores and a media personality.

Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com. He consults to smart grid companies seeking market entry advice and M&A advisory. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the US and abroad, he also serves on the Advisory Council of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Energy & Environment directorate.

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