Securing Utility Networks in an LTE/5G World: Lessons from Wisconsin

February 05, 2026
Digitalizing the Grid - Booth #6045
Digital Transformation , Digitalizing the Grid Knowledge Hub , Communication Networks , Cybersecurity

As utilities adopt private cellular networks to support smart grid infrastructure and critical operations, secure device connectivity is no longer optional—it’s mission-critical. In this joint session, OneLayer, a leader in cellular network security, WEC Energy Group, Wisconsin’s largest utility, Palo Alto, a leader in cybersecurity will share insights from the recent Cellcom outage that disrupted communications across the state.

Attendees will learn: 

  • The vulnerabilities exposed when public MNO infrastructure becomes a single point of failure 
  • The importance of gaining visibility into all connected devices, including those behind routers and adaptors 
  • How utilities can segment, secure, and monitor cellular-connected devices and how this can reinforce security at the edge 
  • Best practices for resiliency planning, including faster incident response and fallback mechanisms

This session will offer a rare inside look at how one of the country’s most forward-leaning utilities is preparing for a future where device identity, segmentation, and access control must extend to APNs as well as Private LTE and 5G networks. 

Session Sponsored by OneLayer

Speakers
Drew Ganther
Drew Ganther, VP Sales - OneLayer
Steve Liegl
Steve Liegl, Director Infrastructure and Operations - IT Services - WEC Energy Group
Steve Shaw
Steve Shaw, 5G Product Marketing - Palo Alto Networks