On 13 March 2025, the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) presented new recommendations for securing the OT of distribution network operators. The document, 'Monitoring in der Stationsautomatisierung', addresses protection against cyber attacks on power supply systems and thus underlines their outstanding importance for security of supply. The recommendations help operators of critical infrastructure successfully address the growing challenge of protecting their OT systems against cyber attacks.
Why Are Substations
an Attractive Target?
Power supply facilities, such as substations and power plants, are central components of electricity grids. They are important for ensuring the security of supply for other critical infrastructures. Their critical nature makes them attractive targets for cyberattacks, especially in an era of increasing connectivity and digitalization. Therefore, targeted protection of these facilities is essential.
Objectives of the Recommended Actions
The BSI's new recommended actions aim to accelerate the integration of power supply systems into existing intrusion detection systems or, alternatively, to initiate the monitoring of these systems if they are not yet equipped with one. Thus, it supplements the BSI guidance for intrusion detection systems, which was updated on November 18, 2024, by taking into account the specific requirements of station automation.
Advantages of Specialized
OT Intrusion Detection Systems
Due to the unique characteristics of OT networks, monitoring methods used in office IT are not always applicable. The use of specialized OT attack detection systems can significantly facilitate the detection of attacks and malfunctions and shorten response times to security incidents in energy systems. Targeted monitoring of these OT systems makes an essential contribution to the protection of critical services.
The BSI's new recommended actions provide operators of energy systems with important guidance on how to protect their infrastructure. Particularly in view of the increasing threat situation, the consistent implementation of these measures is an important step towards ensuring security of supply and minimizing the risk of cyberattacks.
Further information can be found here in the official documents.
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