Recent cyberattacks in the electricity sector have disabled remote controls for wind farms, disrupted prepaid meters due to unavailable IT systems, and led to recurrent data breaches involving client names, addresses, bank account information and phone numbers. Germany and Greece lead individual countries in terms of exposure, with Italy following closely behind, representing approximately 6% of the total vulnerable devices worldwide. Forescout analysts identified these internet-exposed solar power devices using the Shodan search engine on May 9, 2025. In this blog, experts from IBM and Palo Alto Networks come together to explore five of the sector's most pressing security challenges, and how to address them. Let's look at each of these in turn. How Can You Stay Compliant Without Slowing Down Business? Michael Woodbridge, Associate Partner, IBM. Cyberattacks are on the increase in the electricity sector, yet IEA analysis indicates that utilities face serious difficulties in finding and retaining the skilled professionals needed to defend themselves. As with most industries, utilities increasingly use digital technologies to better manage. The Internet of Things (IoT) has profoundly transformed industries, with one of its most impactful applications being in the Internet of Energy (IoE). The IoE represents a next-generation, intelligent energy network that integrates renewable and nonrenewable energy sources with cutting-edge IoT. The UK and EU are particularly vulnerable due to geopolitical tensions, regulatory changes, and rapid technological advancements. With energy companies central to national security and economic stability, strengthening cybersecurity has evolved from being optional to absolutely essential. This. The International Energy Agency projects that renewable electricity capacity will grow by more than 60% in 2026 (IEA, 2024).
