Cybersecurity in the energy sector: challenges, risks and solutions for companies
The energy supply is the backbone of our society. However, with increasing digitalization, the expansion of renewable energies and growing networking as part of the energy transition, the attack surface for cyber threats is also increasing considerably. The latest position paper from the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) shows: The threat situation in the energy sector is tense - and companies that are part of this critical infrastructure are facing major challenges.
In this article, you will find out what specific risks arise, what you need to do now - and how you can create an important basis for protecting sensitive data with eperi sEcure.
The threat situation: attacks on the energy sector are on the rise
According to the BSI, the threat situation in the area of critical infrastructures, particularly in the energy sector, has been classified as high for years. The attackers are diverse:
- State-supported cyber operations (e.g. from Russia, China or Iran) aimed at espionage and destabilization.
- Cybercriminal groups that use ransomware to blackmail energy companies.
- Hacktivists who pursue ideological goals, for example in the context of climate and energy policy.
The consequences of successful attacks can be devastating: power outages, supply bottlenecks and massive disruptions to emergency and crisis infrastructure.
New challenges due to the energy transition
The energy transition brings with it urgently needed changes - but it also makes the IT security situation more complex. The BSI identifies three key problem areas:
- Decentralization: More and more small players such as households with photovoltaic systems are part of the energy system - often without professional IT security precautions.
- Digital control systems: Smart grids, smart meters and remote-controlled systems open up new attack vectors.
- Sector coupling: Linking electricity, industry and transport increases systemic vulnerability.
In addition, there are specific vulnerabilities such as unsecured IoT devices, zero-day exploits in industrial control systems (ICS/SCADA) and manipulation risks in hardware and software - for example by manufacturers or suppliers in the supply chain.
The risks for your company
The risks for energy companies and their partners are enormous:
- Loss of control over data due to attacks on cloud and IT systems.
- Risk to trade secrets due to data leakage.
- Disruptions to operations due to ransomware attacks or digital infrastructure failures.
- Regulatory risks due to non-compliance with requirements from the GDPR, NIS2, DORA and industry-specific security requirements.
- Loss of reputation due to security incidents and possible supply failures.
The question is: How can companies reduce these risks without sacrificing the benefits of digitalization?
eperi sEcure: Data security right from the start - also in the energy sector
The BSI recommends a three-stage security approach: basic protection, targeted hardening and high-security protection mechanisms for critical components.
This is exactly where eperi sEcure comes in: With eperi sEcure, you can protect your sensitive data before it reaches the cloud. Your data is format-preserving encrypted so that applications such as Microsoft 365, Salesforce or web services continue to function smoothly - but unauthorized persons have no access.
The advantages:
- Data encryption before the cloud: protection regardless of provider, storage location or infrastructure.
- Key sovereignty remains with you: No access for third parties, no back doors - neither for cloud providers nor for government agencies.
- Compatible with existing systems: eperi sEcure can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems.
- Supports regulatory requirements: GDPR, NIS2, GeschGehG - eperi sEcure helps you to implement legal requirements.
- Minimizes supply chain risks: Even if suppliers or partners are compromised, your data remains secure.
The path to a secure energy supply: Act now!
The BSI is calling for clear measures for more cyber security:
- Strengthening the BSI as a central security authority.
- Uniform safety standards for all players - from large grid operators to small system operators.
- Expansion of technical resilience - e.g. through encryption, redundancy concepts and attack detection.
- Sensitization of employees and promotion of specialists.
But until legal requirements are implemented, companies need to take action themselves. With eperi sEcure, you lay an important foundation for a robust cyber security strategy - today, not tomorrow.
Conclusion: protection starts with your data
The energy transition and digitalization are changing the rules of the game - also in terms of security. Anyone working in the energy sector cannot afford to relinquish control of their data.
With eperi sEcure, you retain control over your sensitive information. You protect your business secrets, meet compliance requirements and create the basis for a secure, resilient energy future.
Find out now how eperi sEcure can also protect your company.
Knowledge that protects - your next measure for more data security
On our download page you will find free white papers and factsheets on data protection, data encryption and compliance - especially for IT managers and decision-makers.
Get compact knowledge, strategic recommendations and practical tips to effectively protect your data and securely comply with regulatory requirements such as GDPR, NIS2 and DORA.
