Power Grids Are More Vulnerable to Cyber Attacks Than Ever Before
Power grids are a huge target for hackers because they are so interconnected. When a power grid is attacked, it’s not just a matter of what’s happening in one small part of the grid-it’s a problem that can affect thousands of consumers or more in a very short time frame. The end-user systems impacted can include high-wattage devices such as dishwashers, HVACs, and even electric vehicles. For example, a significant number of electric vehicles can be manipulated to overload their power system through the Internet.
Power grids are critical infrastructure and have been attacked in some of the largest cyberattacks ever. Research published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology ( NIST) details the vulnerability of the grid to cyberattacks and predicts that it will continue to be an area of interest as the grid grows in size and complexity. Relying on internet-based systems like SCADA, some operations technology (OT) can be vulnerable to remote cyberattacks.
The utility sector is responsible for supplying the power, gas, and water that keep our economy running. It is also a major target for hackers because it uses a variety of OT systems and relies heavily on these systems for its operation. If an attacker takes control of these systems, the user’s ability to heat their home, water their crops, or illuminate their home in the dark is severely impacted.
What is SCADA?
SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) refers to the technology used in critical infrastructure and industrial settings to monitor and control critical systems such as pumps, valves, heaters, oil, gas turbines, water plants, and more. SCADA systems are often found in industries where industrial necessity demands the trusted operation of critical and usually sensitive equipment. These systems are often of vital importance to the operations of such industries. The job of the SCADA system is to control and monitor the equipment, keeping it running safely and securely at all times.
When a computer is connected to a SCADA system, the user has to trust the system to protect their critical assets and information. A cyberattack against SCADA systems is very sophisticated and can lead to major problems. SCADA systems that control critical infrastructure such as electricity are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks. And the reason is simple: their systems are far-reaching and are not designed to withstand a cyberattack.
Over the last five years, vulnerabilities to SCADA systems have only increased. The main reason these systems are susceptible to attack is due to the lack of monitoring. Most SCADA systems do not have active network systems or the technology in place to detect suspicious activity. As a result, SCADA systems are often breached with little or no detection, and then they may be used to attack other cyberinfrastructure, leading to cascading failures and security incidents.
Protecting OT Operations from Cyber Attacks
In general, the more sensitive a critical infrastructure system, the more it needs to be protected. Since the power grid is a highly strategic target, there is a serious risk that hackers could cause mass chaos by disrupting power supplies or disabling electricity. There are multiple ways to protect these operations, including by implementing cybersecurity best practices, starting with cybersecurity education. But this measure is not enough to protect operations.
The truth is that many organizations don’t know how to protect their networks from cyberattacks, even though such attacks are increasing rapidly. To protect OT networks, organizations must be aware of the threats and understand the vulnerabilities. Not only that, but they must also implement measures to prevent cyberattacks.
AGT is a cybersecurity consulting firm based in Europe with a team of specialists that can help protect power grids and other critical infrastructure from cyberattacks. An increasing number of organizations outside of the utility industry is also at a high risk of experiencing a cyber attack.
IT security experts at AGT know that every organization has a different approach to protecting its networks from attack. So, we have put together a team of experts who can help your organization understand the threats they face and help them prepare for future attacks.
Learn more about AGT’s cybersecurity services here.
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.
