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Energy Cybersecurity

The convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) exposes the energy sector to new threats and vulnerabilities. The average cost of a data breach in the energy sector in 2020 was $6.39 million—a 13% increase since 2019—and 55% of breaches were caused by malicious attacks, according to Ponemon Institute. Cyberattacks against energy companies are not only financially driven, but also politically motivated. In a Siemens and Ponemon Institute survey, 25% of utility professionals were impacted by mega attacks aided with expertise from nation-state actors looking to damage or cripple a country’s energy security. Consequently, cybersecurity within the energy sector is a matter of national security.

Energy Cybersecurity

The convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) exposes the energy sector to new threats and vulnerabilities. The average cost of a data breach in the energy sector in 2020 was $6.39 million—a 13% increase since 2019—and 55% of breaches were caused by malicious attacks, according to Ponemon Institute. Cyberattacks against energy companies are not only financially driven, but also politically motivated. In a Siemens and Ponemon Institute survey, 25% of utility professionals were impacted by mega attacks aided with expertise from nation-state actors looking to damage or cripple a country’s energy security. Consequently, cybersecurity within the energy sector is a matter of national security.

What is cybersecurity in the energy sector?

Energy cybersecurity encompasses risk assessments, anti-virus software, patches, data backup, and more forms of disaster prevention and preparation that protect the energy industry as well as avoid non-compliance issues. In late 2020, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) issued a report on best practices in energy cybersecurity with guidance based upon the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity incident response lifecycle.

How can energy cybersecurity help utility companies?

54% of energy survey respondents expect an attack on critical infrastructure in the next 12 months, but 48%, on average, have zero security automation deployment. A managed service provider has the staff, resources, and expertise to provide the stalwart vigilance necessary for energy cybersecurity. NexusTek’s cybersecurity experts can assess your energy company’s infrastructure for weaknesses; fortify systems, employees, and remote engineers against cyberattacks; and develop a custom managed cybersecurity plan to ensure your business is prepared for everything.

Benefits of NexusTek’s Cybersecurity for Energy

Safeguard your energy company’s infrastructure from cyberattacks with NexusTek’s 24/7/365 managed cybersecurity, including email, endpoint, and DNS security, managed patches and updates, regular vulnerability scans and security assessments, and Security Information Event Management (SIEM) for detecting, isolating, and, ultimately, eradicating cyber threats.

Protect your energy company with Managed Cybersecurity to:

  • Reduce new vulnerabilities from the convergence of OT and IT systems.
  • Detect, contain, and eliminate cyber threats.
  • Prevent costly power outages and data breaches from nation-state cyberattacks.

Enhance energy security with NexusTek.