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Cyber Security in Wind: Why the Industry Must Act Now

Published in: Wind, Digital Blog

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As the renewable energy sector rapidly expands, so too does its exposure to cyber threats. With just 1% of wind assets currently considered adequately protected, the industry faces a digital security crisis. Cyber attacks are no longer hypothetical—they are occurring with increasing frequency and severity, threatening to disrupt entire networks and cause significant financial damage. PES Wind explores key insights from Cyber Energia on how the sector must respond.

Facing the Perfect Cyber Storm

The global transition to renewable energy has placed wind farms in the crosshairs of cyber criminals. The convergence of accelerating digitalisation, geopolitical tensions, and the rising economic value of clean energy has created an environment of heightened risk.

Unlike conventional power infrastructure, wind farms rely heavily on interconnected Operational Technology (OT) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems. These systems, critical for controlling and monitoring turbines, create multiple access points for attackers—particularly as malicious actors develop more advanced malware tailored to exploit OT-specific vulnerabilities.

SCADA and the Hidden Risks

SCADA systems integrate various connected components such as IP cameras, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and human-machine interfaces (HMIs). Each device represents a potential entry point for cyber threats. A breach in one system can quickly cascade, potentially compromising an entire operation.

This risk is magnified by the common architecture of SCADA systems used across wind, solar, and battery storage facilities. Once a vulnerability is exploited in one system, the same techniques can often be used across others. Research by Cyber Energia shows that less than half of renewable energy firms have updated their security frameworks, leaving key infrastructure exposed.

The Rise of Advanced Cyber Threats

The cyber threat landscape is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Malware such as IOCONTROL has been engineered to target IoT and OT environments, infiltrating routers, PLCs, HMIs, and firewalls. These attacks are no longer generic—they are precise, tailored, and capable of bypassing traditional security systems.

“The interconnected nature of wind farms makes them highly vulnerable to cascading cyber attacks,” explains Rafael Narezzi, Managing Director at Cyber Energia. “With threats like IOCONTROL emerging, attackers are focusing on the core technologies that power the energy transition.”

Security flaws have also been discovered in industrial routers—such as those produced by Teltonika—potentially exposing thousands of assets to remote access, data theft, or operational disruption.

Real-World Incidents and Industry Wake-Up Calls

These threats are not theoretical. In April 2022, Deutsche Windtechnik experienced a ransomware attack that disabled remote monitoring of 2,000 wind turbines. This incident highlighted the vulnerabilities within SCADA-reliant operations and demonstrated how a single breach can lead to widespread disruption.

Similar vulnerabilities have been uncovered across renewable energy networks, offering cyber criminals the opportunity to access system controls, extract data, or manipulate essential functions.

NIS2 and the Shift Towards Accountability

With cyber incidents on the rise, regulatory frameworks are tightening. The EU’s Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS2) introduces mandatory cyber incident reporting, increasing transparency across the industry.

“With NIS2, cyber incidents will become public knowledge,” says Narezzi. “Executives must understand that this is not just an IT concern—it is a leadership and compliance challenge.”

Public disclosures will likely attract attention from regulators, insurers, and investors. Companies that do not strengthen their defences risk not only operational downtime but also reputational damage and potential penalties.

Building Resilience: Practical Steps Forward

To respond effectively, wind energy operators must adopt a proactive, multi-layered approach to cyber security:

  • Identify vulnerabilities within SCADA and OT systems
  • Provide training to personnel to detect and report cyber threats
  • Implement real-time monitoring systems for threat detection
  • Secure remote access through robust access controls
  • Conduct regular security assessments to stay ahead of emerging threats

Cyber Energia’s CEntry platform offers one such solution, delivering real-time threat detection, blocking capabilities, and compliance tools designed specifically for the requirements of NIS2.

The Case for Immediate Action

The UK faces distinct challenges, particularly as it increasingly relies on battery storage to balance the grid. A coordinated cyber attack on battery dispatch systems could result in energy distribution failures on a national scale.

Meanwhile, legislation such as NIS2 and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) introduces executive liability for cyber failures, adding pressure on leadership to prioritise digital security.

“Ask yourself: Are we fully aware of our cyber security landscape? Are we prepared for advanced threats like IOCONTROL? Are we compliant with evolving regulations?” concludes Narezzi. “If the answer isn’t yes, the time to act is now.”

Cyber security has moved beyond the realm of IT—it is now a core strategic priority. The future resilience of the wind energy sector depends on decisive action to protect operations, ensure compliance, and safeguard the path to a cleaner, connected energy system.

Learn more: www.cyberenergia.com

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