Wind energy plays a crucial role in the global energy infrastructure. With wind power plants in place, reliable and safe energy could be produced. Wind energy has become a major part of the renewable energy production capacity of the United States over the past few years. There are over 70,800 wind turbines that generate 400 terawatt hours of power in the U.S. In total, wind turbine communication networks produce almost 10% of the country’s electricity. As of last year, 14 states set a record when they managed to cover over 88% of electricity demand through wind energy.

Analyzing Cyber Threats on wind turbine communication networks

Technically, wind turbines depend on communication networks in order to operate as efficiently as possible and transmit operational data to virtual control centers. But these communication networks have become highly vulnerable to rising cyber-attacks that lead to equipment damage, downtime, and revenue loss. This makes identifying and mitigating potential cyber-attacks across wind turbine communication networks very important. The idea is to make sure there’s less operational disruption and potential damage. In the United States, many laboratories now support research and development plans to identify, detect, protect, respond to, mitigate, and recover from cyber-attacks.
In the past few years, there’s been an increase in cyber-attacks on wind turbine network communication. These cyber incidents largely include various ransomware attacks on different wind turbine communication links, maintenance companies, and manufacturers. While a cyber-attack on a single wind turbine poses a minor threat, the cyber attack’s impact on multiple wind turbines is significant. Wind power system operators and owners need to implement the newest cybersecurity practices in order to ensure efficient response and safe recovery from a moderate to severe cyber-attack. In fact, the growth of contemporary wind energy space depends on it.

Recommendations to Identify and Mitigate Cyber Attacks on Wind Turbine Communication Networks

Perform a Risk Assessment

Start by reviewing the potential risks faced by a wind turbine communication network. Focus on identifying network vulnerabilities. It will allow better understanding of the impact of a cyber-attack and help devise a plan to mitigate risks.

Secure the Network

Roll out security measures like intrusion detection, firewalls, network encryption, and prevention systems against cyber-attacks. Also, ensure updating firmware and software with strict access controls.

Conduct Regular Vulnerability Scans

Perform regular vulnerability scans to spot any network weaknesses and address identified network vulnerabilities to prevent cyber attackers from exploitation.

Monitor Network Activity

Keep an eye on the network activity to spot any suspicious activity. Standard network traffic analysis solutions could be used to identify irregular and odd traffic behavior and patterns.

Conduct Regular Training

Conduct training sessions for contractors and employees regularly to better understand who has direct access to the communication network of the wind turbine. The staff should undergo training to embrace the best cybersecurity practices, including social engineering awareness and effective password management.

Develop a Response Plan

Create an incident response plan outlining the necessary steps to be taken in case of a potential cyber attack. This response plan should also contain incident reporting, procedures to follow, isolating the most affected systems, and finally restoring operations.

Back up Critical Data

Regularly back up essential data to ensure its transferability in the event of a cyber attack. Ensure that the backups are stored offsite with advanced encryption.

Market activity

Today, many startups and companies specialize in identifying and mitigating different types of cyber-attacks on wind turbine communication networks.

Cybus

Cybus is a German-based startup that offers an industrial IoT platform to safeguard wind turbine network communications from potential cyber-attacks. This platform makes it possible for wind turbine operators to control and monitor their turbines in a secure manner. Simultaneously, the company offers threat detection and prompt response in real time.

UpWind Solutions

The US-based enterprise offers a variety of cybersecurity service solutions that protect wind turbine network communications. UpWind Solutions offers comprehensive cybersecurity services, including risk assessments, penetration testing, vulnerability scans, as well as response and recovery services.

N-Dimension Solutions

This startup offers a wide range of cybersecurity solutions for industrial-based control systems, like wind turbines. Specifically, N-Dimension offers its cybersecurity suite solutions to the infrastructure market. The company operates through a defense-in-depth tactic. It allows the company to provide strategic measures and help infrastructure operators better understand the overall risk profile.

CyberX

It operates as an industrial-scale cybersecurity platform that allows companies to identify and mitigate cyber threats in wind turbine communication networks. CyberX focuses on advanced and extensive cybersecurity solutions for governments and organizations.
The main product of the company is ICS which offers visibility in real-time to detect, respond to, and mitigate cyber threats in critical infrastructure. Mostly, it helps companies comply with changing regulatory requirements.

Summary

In retrospect, identifying and mitigating potential cyber-attacks on wind turbine communication networks has become vital. It ensures that critical systems are operating effectively and efficiently. Wind turbines could be protected against potential cyber threats by rolling out specific security measures, tracking network activity, and performing vulnerability scans regularly. It will reduce the risk of equipment damage and downtime. It is expected that more startups, enterprises, and research institutions will focus on advanced research in the future to safeguard wind turbine communication networks against cyberthreats.