By Ian Bramson, Global Head of Industrial Cybersecurity at ABS Group
The only things growing faster than the renewable energy sector are the hopes and expectations of the companies, governments, and people who are betting on its success. However, with every new wind turbine, solar panel, and hydro-electric facility put into service, comes an increased risk of industrial cyber attacks.
These attacks can have devastating impacts on operations, safety, finances, and reputations. To win the race to reshape energy markets, renewable energy companies need to understand how to protect themselves from industrial cyber attacks and mitigate the damage should one occur.
Cyber attackers hit where it hurts: operations
Cyber attackers adapt quickly. They know how to target the places that will have the greatest impact. As such, they’re shifting their focus from the information technology (IT) networks that run business systems to operational technology (OT) that control the networks and devices vital to operations. Industrial cybersecurity is now an operational and safety risk.
