Acute Dangers for the Energy Sector

According to the BSI, state-supported cyber operations, blackmail by ransomware groups, and ideologically motivated attacks are increasingly harmful. It is particularly alarming that the necessary digitalization and decentralization of the energy infrastructure—through smart grids, photovoltaic systems, digital meters, and virtual power plants—is also significantly expanding the attack surface.

Necessary Measures 

Against this backdrop, the BSI sees an urgent need for action, particularly among smaller network operators and energy suppliers:

All players in the energy system should adhere to uniform, sector-specific security standards, even those outside traditional KRITIS structures.
In order to respond effectively to cyber incidents, the BSI is calling for clear intervention rights and supervisory powers.
The introduction of a multi-level resilience concept should include minimum technical protection, targeted hardening of critical components and high-security measures at network nodes.
The use of advanced attack detection systems (e.g. IDS/IPS) in network interconnection points and control centers is strongly recommended.
In addition, more training and awareness-raising is needed for staff along the entire value chain.

For energy suppliers, this means that cybersecurity requirements are increasingly affecting decentralized systems. Those who are not prepared risk not only economic damage in the event of an emergency but also a loss of trust from their customers.

 

Get an Overview

You can find the current status of developing vulnerabilities in OT systems in our OT Vulnerability Report 2024.

 

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