How Rogue Devices Threaten Power Grids

As we accelerate the transition to renewable energy, integrating technologies like solar, storage, and other grid forming DERs into our power grids, we must also confront emerging cybersecurity challenges. The Horus Scenario presents a compelling case study: It outlines how a coordinated cyberattack on distributed generation could destabilize the entire power grid. By exploiting vulnerabilities in inverters, an attacker could manipulate power flows, leading to large-scale outages. This isn’t just theoretical. Just recently, authorities uncovered rogue communication hardware embedded in grid-connected infrastructure, reminding us that the threat is real, and already here. This scenario underscores a critical point: As we modernize our energy systems, cybersecurity must be a foundational component, not an afterthought. Protecting our infrastructure requires proactive measures, including:   ✔️Robust security protocols for all grid-connected devices   ✔️ Regular vulnerability assessments, including penetration testing, and updates    ✔️Collaboration between grid operations, manufacturers, energy providers, and cybersecurity experts It’s exactly why we take cybersecurity so seriously at enSights - because the future of energy depends on it. We’re not only ISO 27001 certified, but also continuing to invest in additional certifications and building proprietary cybersecurity solutions, so our partners can trust that their systems are protected at every layer. Worth reading about the Horus Scenario here → https://horusscenario.com/

U.S. officials and cybersecurity experts are raising alarms over the discovery of undisclosed cellular radios embedded within Chinese-manufactured power inverters. These "rogue" communication devices, found in renewable energy infrastructure, are not documented in product specifications and create covert communication channels that bypass established cybersecurity measures. This poses a significant national security risk, as these hidden functionalities could allow for unauthorized remote access, manipulation, or even disabling of critical energy grid components, potentially causing widespread power disruptions and physical damage. A prior incident in November 2024, where solar power inverters were reportedly disabled remotely from China, underscores the tangible threat. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gB-e42Xd #HatTip: Matt Johansen #Cybersecurity #NationalSecurity #EnergyGrid

Eighteen months ago, on behalf of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), I published "Beijing’s Power Play", a report warning that PRC-linked #battery and #energystorage firms posed long-term #nationalsecurity risks to U.S. #criticalinfrastructure. Some argued the concern was overblown. Today, Reuters reports that U.S. officials have found undocumented #communication devices embedded in Chinese-made #inverters and battery systems—components with direct access to our power grid ⚡. These rogue channels could bypass firewalls and destabilize entire energy systems. This isn’t alarmism—it’s the tip of the iceberg 🧊. As I wrote then, these risks go beyond supply chains. They’re about control, dependency, and systemic vulnerability. The fact that many of these companies—like #CATL— are listed on the Chinese military company (CMC) list makes this all the more urgent 🚨. If you’re covering this issue or tracking developments in clean tech, energy resilience, or U.S.-China strategic competition, here’s the original report: https://lnkd.in/e2Ubn6Cr Grateful to see this story gaining attention. There’s much more to uncover. #nationalsecurity #energypolicy #cleanenergy #gridsecurity #chinathreat #criticalinfrastructure #inverters #batterystorage #cybersecurity #decoupling #CATL #geopolitics #supplychainsecurity #ESG #salttyphoon #volttyphoon #internationalrelations #internationalsecurity #duediligence #zeroday https://lnkd.in/eJmWFk9J

Imagine a device designed to harness the sun's energy for your home—only to discover it might be transmitting data back to a foreign power. Recent investigations have uncovered undocumented communication modules in Chinese-manufactured solar inverters and batteries, raising alarms about potential cybersecurity threats to the U.S. power grid. While these inverters are essential for integrating renewable energy into our grids, their dominance by Chinese manufacturers like Huawei and Sungrow poses a significant risk. The presence of rogue communication devices suggests a vulnerability that could be exploited to bypass firewalls, potentially allowing remote manipulation of our energy infrastructure. With the increasing integration of foreign-made technology into our critical infrastructure, how can we ensure the security and resilience of our energy systems against potential cyber threats? https://lnkd.in/e9xsn7j5