Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
– The renewable energy sector is growing rapidly, with an estimated 70% of global power systems being dependent on renewable energy by mid-century.
– The sector lacks sufficient cyber security protection, with many critical assets being exposed to malicious attacks due to under-secured digital technologies.
Rafael Narezzi, Chief Technology Officer at Cyber Energia, discusses the vulnerabilities present in renewable energy operations due to inadequate cyber security measures. As the sector continues to expand, with almost half of the world’s electricity sources currently susceptible to cyberattacks, the need for robust cyber security defenses is becoming increasingly critical.
Key points highlighted in the article include:
1. The connectivity of renewable energy assets to national power grids exposes critical gaps in security, with almost 880 million cyber risks identified in the sector.
2. The use of smart grid technology, while enabling efficient management of energy sources, also increases the risk of cyber threats due to vulnerabilities in data gathering and transmission processes.
3. The lack of cybersecurity expertise in software development and the reliance on remote access capabilities, alongside the vast number of devices and systems on networks, further compound the sector’s exposure to cyberattacks.
4. Governance issues, limited capabilities for monitoring access, and inadequate response plans for cyber events add to the risks faced by renewable energy companies, potentially leading to significant financial penalties for non-compliance with cyber security regulations.
The article also emphasizes the importance of embedding cyber security into the core business strategy of renewable energy companies, with management teams needing to understand the risks and take proactive steps to mitigate cyber threats in order to safeguard the sector’s future.
