The Growing Need for Cybersecurity in Renewable Energy Asset Management

By Karthik Yenduru, TGS

Is your renewable energy data secure? As the renewable energy sector embraces digital transformation, cybersecurity threats are becoming a growing concern. With the increasing adoption of IoT devices, cloud-based platforms, and AI-driven analytics, the risk of data breaches, cyberattacks, and operational disruptions is at an all-time high.

Renewable energy projects generate vast amounts of data — ranging from financial records to performance metrics. The volume and granularity of this data vary based on asset type and operational scope. Over time, these data streams become invaluable for optimizing efficiency and forecasting performance. However, without strong cybersecurity measures, this valuable data remains vulnerable to attacks.

Why Data Security Matters in Renewable Energy

To ensure energy reliability and protect stakeholders' interests, Information Management Systems (IMS) must collect and store data securely. Implementing end-to-end encryption safeguards data from the point of origination to its final resting place. Identifying potential breach points within the data lifecycle is the first step in implementing robust security solutions.

Understanding the Risks: Physical vs. Digital Threats

Cyber threats in renewable energy projects can be broadly categorized into two types:

Physical Threats

Unauthorized access to equipment or theft
Breaches of physical security barriers
Supply chain risks (e.g., tampered hardware)
Environmental hazards (fires, floods, extreme weather) leading to data loss

Digital Threats

IoT vulnerabilities and unpatched firmware exploits
4G/5G network security gaps
Edge computing risks
Malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks

While physical threats are relatively well understood, digital threats are evolving rapidly due to increased connectivity. Without proactive security measures, renewable energy assets become prime targets for cybercriminals. The table below highlights critical digital threats that demand immediate attention.

Digital Threat	Threat Definition	Mitigation Steps
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)	Tampering of data by unauthorized personnel due to a lack of robust authentication and credential verification process	Implement the Principle of Least Privilege Regularly review and update access rights Enforce strong authentication and monitoring Separate roles and responsibilities for critical systems
Third Party Vendor	External vendors providing hardware or software service for data collection may have security weaknesses in their service or product, creating potential vulnerabilities	Perform rigorous vendor risk assessment Establish comprehensive contracts with security clauses Regularly audit and monitor third party vendor performance Limit data sharing and access to sensitive information Develop contingency plans for vendor failures
Communication Network	Using poor encryption or unsecured protocols when transmitting data over wireless or connected networks can lead to interception	Use encryption for data transmission Implement network segmentation Employ advanced firewalls & intrusion detection systems Ensure secure VPN usage for remote access Regularly update network devices and software
IoT Devices	Lack of strong authentication or encryption for data collection devices can make them easy targets for cyberattacks	Change default passwords and use strong authentication Isolate IoT devices from critical networks Monitor IoT devices continuously Keep IoT devices updated with security patches Limit data sharing and device capabilities Employing IoT device authentication and access control
Firmware Exploit	Outdated firmware can expose vulnerabilities that can be exploited to infiltrate or steal data	Regularly update and patch firmware Implement secure boot and trusted execution environments Encrypt firmware Perform vulnerability scanning and penetration testing
Cloud Storage	Insufficient security measures to cloud infrastructure can lead to information breaches or unauthorized access	Implement strong encryption for data at Rest & in Transit Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for cloud accounts Regularly backup cloud data and test recovery procedures Monitor cloud storage usage and activities Select a secure cloud provider with strong security practices
Data Integrity	Falsification of production or performance parameters can disrupt operations	Implement data validation and error-checking mechanisms Use digital signatures and cryptographic hashing Implement version control and data backups Enforce strict access control and role-based permissions Conduct regular data audits and monitoring
Malware & Ransomware	Disrupting data acquisition or holding data for ransom through a virus that infects data collection sensors or connected control units	Deploy advanced anti-malware software and endpoint protection Regularly update software and operating systems Implement network segmentation and isolation Enable data encryption and backups Train employees on security awareness and phishing prevention Implement intrusion detection and response systems Isolate infected systems and implement incident response plans

Digital Threat	Threat Definition	Mitigation Steps
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)	Tampering of data by unauthorized personnel due to a lack of robust authentication and credential verification process	Implement the Principle of Least Privilege Regularly review and update access rights Enforce strong authentication and monitoring Separate roles and responsibilities for critical systems
Third Party Vendor	External vendors providing hardware or software service for data collection may have security weaknesses in their service or product, creating potential vulnerabilities	Perform rigorous vendor risk assessment Establish comprehensive contracts with security clauses Regularly audit and monitor third party vendor performance Limit data sharing and access to sensitive information Develop contingency plans for vendor failures
Communication Network	Using poor encryption or unsecured protocols when transmitting data over wireless or connected networks can lead to interception	Use encryption for data transmission Implement network segmentation Employ advanced firewalls & intrusion detection systems Ensure secure VPN usage for remote access Regularly update network devices and software
IoT Devices	Lack of strong authentication or encryption for data collection devices can make them easy targets for cyberattacks	Change default passwords and use strong authentication Isolate IoT devices from critical networks Monitor IoT devices continuously Keep IoT devices updated with security patches Limit data sharing and device capabilities Employing IoT device authentication and access control
Firmware Exploit	Outdated firmware can expose vulnerabilities that can be exploited to infiltrate or steal data	Regularly update and patch firmware Implement secure boot and trusted execution environments Encrypt firmware Perform vulnerability scanning and penetration testing
Cloud Storage	Insufficient security measures to cloud infrastructure can lead to information breaches or unauthorized access	Implement strong encryption for data at Rest & in Transit Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for cloud accounts Regularly backup cloud data and test recovery procedures Monitor cloud storage usage and activities Select a secure cloud provider with strong security practices
Data Integrity	Falsification of production or performance parameters can disrupt operations	Implement data validation and error-checking mechanisms Use digital signatures and cryptographic hashing Implement version control and data backups Enforce strict access control and role-based permissions Conduct regular data audits and monitoring
Malware & Ransomware	Disrupting data acquisition or holding data for ransom through a virus that infects data collection sensors or connected control units	Deploy advanced anti-malware software and endpoint protection Regularly update software and operating systems Implement network segmentation and isolation Enable data encryption and backups Train employees on security awareness and phishing prevention Implement intrusion detection and response systems Isolate infected systems and implement incident response plans

Table "Key Digital Threats" (Source: Self-elaboration)

Building a Secure Data Ecosystem with 3rd Party Vendors

To mitigate cybersecurity risks, asset owners and O&M service providers must partner with vendors that adhere to stringent security protocols.

For instance, an O&M provider may integrate multiple digital solutions into their operations:

Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
Asset Performance Management (APM) tools
Financial Asset Management (FAM) platforms
Other specialized software vendors

Each vendor must align with cybersecurity framework(s) and comply with industry standards to ensure the integrity and security of the entire data value chain.

How Vendors Strengthen Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility — while software vendors play a crucial role in securing infrastructure, asset owners and operators must also take proactive steps. Leading vendors, such as TGS, enhance cybersecurity through:

Prediktor Data Gateway – Integrated data management solution leveraging OPC UA for secure data transfers between technical and application layers.
Prediktor PowerView™ – An Asset Management solution ensuring ISO 27001 compliance, encrypted cloud storage, and role-based access control (RBAC) to prevent unauthorized modifications.
Multi-layered encryption – Protecting data both at rest and in transit to prevent breaches.

A Collaborative Approach to Cybersecurity

Securing renewable energy infrastructure requires a collective effort from all stakeholders. By integrating advanced encryption, role-based access control, and continuous monitoring, we can reduce vulnerabilities while improving operational resilience.

Cybersecurity is not just a vendor’s responsibility — it’s a shared mission. Asset owners, operators, and software providers must work together to implement proactive security strategies and build a resilient digital foundation.

To discover more about Prediktor PowerView™, visit: https://www.tgs.com/solar

Other Contributors: Sarry Haj Yahia & Thomas Pettersen

References:

U.S. Department of Justice. n.d. "Role Based Access Control." Accessed January 15, 2025. https://diamd.usdoj.gov/doc/help/help/rolemgmt/rbac.htm
DataGrail. “How to Mitigate Third-Party Risk.” Accessed January 15, 2025. https://www.datagrail.io/blog/privacy-trends/how-to-mitigate-third-party-risk/
Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre. (n.d.). IoT Security Best Practice Guidelines. Retrieved January 21, 2025, from https://www.hkcert.org/f/guideline/262205/cc040767-fa07-4c87-aaa9-cdf46d4b92c6-DLFE-14203.pdf
Cloud Security Alliance. Security Guidance for Critical Areas of Focus in Cloud Computing. Version 4.0, 2017. Web. Accessed January 24, 2025.
Center for Internet Security. "Steps to Help Prevent & Limit the Impact of Ransomware." Center for Internet Security, 6 Aug. 2019, https://www.cisecurity.org/insights/blog/7-steps-to-help-prevent-limit-the-impact-of-ransomware