18 Jul
2024
Energeks
Imagine waking up one day to discover that your house is without power, and you can't even call emergency services because your phone failed to charge overnight. You won't be able to go anywhere with your electric car—it can't charge either.
You're probably thinking, "This doesn't concern me, I drive a different fuel type!" But the gas stations around are also closed. Most stores and service centers suddenly become inaccessible and abandoned.
All because of a power outage.
Sounds like a bleak scene from a disturbing, post-apocalyptic science fiction film? This could be a reality we have to face in the era of digital transformation.
The energy sector, like other key sectors, is becoming the target of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. So how do we defend against these threats?
In today's world, cybersecurity is an indispensable part of every sector, especially the energy sector. Let's find out why it's so important and how we can protect ourselves.
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity encompasses a wide range of activities and technologies aimed at protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyberattacks. It's not just antivirus software, but also advanced technologies that monitor and defend against potential threats.
What are the types of cybersecurity?
Network security: Protection against unauthorized access to a computer network.
Application security: Ensuring that applications are free from vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.
Information security: Protecting data from unauthorized access and theft.
Operational security: Processes and decisions related to handling and protecting data.
Cybersecurity for the energy sector: geopolitical threats
The energy transformation is in full swing.
Energy companies are investing billions of dollars in modernizing and digitizing their systems. But with more connected devices, more points become vulnerable to attacks.
Skagerak Energi and Log4j
Tor Heiberg from the Norwegian company Skagerak Energi discussed an incident related to the log4j software vulnerability. Discovered in November 2021, it was a serious flaw in a popular Java programming language library used for logging application data, widely used in services like Apple iCloud, Amazon services, Twitter, and games like Minecraft.
The discovered flaw exposed servers worldwide to the risk of being completely taken over by cybercriminals.
Imagine a situation where an entire company suddenly has to drop all current tasks to deal with a critical security flaw. This was the case here—although the company was not directly attacked, it had to conduct extensive checks and updates.
The work to mitigate the potential disastrous effects of this attack lasted three days, involving all available resources!
Cyberattack on the KA-SAT satellite network
In February 2022, a cyberattack on Viasat's KA-SAT satellite network caused severe disruptions to the operation of 5,800 wind turbines in Germany.
The attack caused significant financial and operational losses.
Although exact costs were not officially disclosed, it's estimated that repairs, equipment replacement, and lost revenue from wind energy production ran into millions of euros. As a result of the attack, nearly 30,000 new modems had to be sent to restore connectivity for users.
The attack caused major problems for users relying on satellite internet provided by Viasat, including many users in Germany, France, Italy, and other European countries.
The lack of remote monitoring and control of wind turbines could lead to suboptimal operation of these devices, affecting the stability of electricity supply.
For the average citizen, this meant potential power outages and related inconveniences.
Attack on Danish energy infrastructure
In May 2023, Denmark became the target of the largest coordinated cyberattack on its critical infrastructure. A group of cybercriminals exploited vulnerabilities in Zyxel firewalls, gaining control over the systems of 22 energy organizations. Despite Zyxel releasing patches in April, many devices were not updated, making the attackers' job easier.
The attacks had serious consequences for the targeted companies, forcing some to switch to island mode to maintain energy supply continuity. SektorCERT, the Danish organization responsible for critical infrastructure cybersecurity, played a crucial role in mitigating the attack's effects by monitoring the network and collaborating with the targeted companies.
To minimize the risk of future attacks, SektorCERT recommended that companies regularly update software, implement contingency plans, and map all network entry points to OT systems. Regular software updates and security measures are essential.
Attacks in Romania
In 2023, the energy sector in Romania was the most affected by cyberattacks, accounting for 31% of all cyber incidents in the country. The most common attack methods were ransomware, phishing, and DDoS attacks, which can cause severe disruptions in energy supply. The costs associated with cyberattacks in the Romanian energy sector were estimated at billions of euros, with serious financial consequences for the affected companies.
Ransomware attacks were the most costly, generating losses counted in billions of euros. Ransomware involves encrypting the victim's data and demanding a ransom for its decryption. Energy companies had to deal with data loss, operational downtimes, and costs related to data recovery and implementing better security.
Phishing accounted for 31% of attacks, and DDoS attacks 27%. Phishing involves tricking people into providing sensitive information through fake emails, while DDoS attacks overwhelm the victim's network, making it unavailable.
Most attacks occurred in the Bucharest region, where an average of 980,000 attacks were prevented monthly, followed by the southeastern and Banat regions.
Freepik
The costs and time-consuming nature of such preventive actions can be enormous, but they are necessary to protect infrastructure from potentially catastrophic effects of cyberattacks.
Hackers are constantly evolving, using increasingly advanced techniques like fileless attacks that utilize legitimate tools within the victim's system.
Companies must always stay a step ahead, requiring constant investment and updates.
What are the challenges?
Investments: Despite growing awareness, investments in cybersecurity are often insufficient.
Skill shortages: There is a lack of qualified specialists who can effectively manage and respond to cyber threats.
Collaboration: There is often a lack of effective communication and collaboration between IT and operational teams.
What are the solutions?
Regulations: New regulations, such as the EU NIS2 Directive, aim to raise security standards.
Investments in education: Training and raising awareness among employees are crucial.
Risk management: Companies should treat cybersecurity as an integral part of their business strategy.
Cybersecurity in the energy sector is not just a trend, it's a necessity.
By investing in modern solutions and educating employees, companies can not only protect themselves from attacks but also gain a competitive advantage.
Energeks, as a leading manufacturer of transformers, switchgear, solar batteries, and lithium-ion batteries, fully understands the importance of cybersecurity in today's world.
Our company leverages cutting-edge technologies and procedures to protect our systems and products from potential cyber threats. We implement advanced security measures, regularly update our systems, and train our employees to ensure the highest level of data and infrastructure protection. We strive not only to meet but to exceed security standards, enabling our customers to use modern energy technologies safely.
Overall security is our priority, allowing us to contribute to the continuity and reliability of energy supply.
And you? Is your company ready for digital transformation?
Or do you still think it doesn't concern you and that only larger organizations should take care of it? Join the discussion in the comments and let us know what you think!
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