Enhancing cybersecurity for a safe and sustainable energy future
As the energy sector races to scale up the use of renewables, its growing dependence on technology increases its exposure to cyber threats. The sector's reliance on interconnected and digital systems creates an environment that is vulnerable to cyber risks such as ransomware, phishing attacks, supply chain attacks, system overloads and even insider threats. Cybersecurity is therefore a key pillar of operational integrity given the high stakes of our accelerated energy transition.
The Changing Dynamics in Energy Cybersecurity
The integration of new technologies and renewable energy sources in the energy sector poses particular cybersecurity challenges - ranging from protecting traditional power grids to securing decentralised renewable energy systems. The complexity of these challenges emphasises the critical role of cybersecurity in ensuring the efficiency and sustainability of the sector.
Renewable Sources and Their Cybersecurity Implications
Although there is a comprehensive legal framework for cybersecurity, the energy sector has some specificities that require special attention, namely:
- Real-time requirements: Certain energy systems require immediate response times, which standard security measures are unable to provide.
- Cascading effects: The interconnectedness of power grids and gas pipelines, particularly in Europe, means that an outage in one area can trigger widespread power outages or supply shortages in other regions.
- Legacy systems and new technologies: Many energy system components that were developed before cybersecurity was an issue now need to be securely connected to modern automation and control technologies without exposing themselves to cyber threats.
Equans’ Approach: Keeping Energy Infrastructure Safe
Equans recognises these challenges and addresses them with an initiative-taking and innovative approach. The company employs a range of defence strategies, such as advanced intrusion detection systems, multi-layered firewall protection and comprehensive network monitoring. This proactive approach is complemented by a strong focus on resilience planning and incident response to enable rapid recovery and minimised impact in the event of a cyber-attack.
Equans’ 5-Step Strategy Toward Energy Cybersecurity
Equans has an unrivalled depth of knowledge in the field of cybersecurity. This expertise is not just theoretical but based on years of practical experience in protecting complex IT and OT (Operational Technology) energy systems from evolving cyber threats. Deploying a five-step methodology (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond and Recover) the company takes a holistic approach, combining cutting-edge technology, rigorous procedural controls and a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. This integrated strategy ensures that every aspect of energy production, from generation to distribution, is safeguarded against cyber intrusions. Equans' cybersecurity solutions are tailored to the specific vulnerabilities of the energy sector, providing robust protection against a wide range of cyber threats, from ransomware to Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs).
As Cybersecurity Risks Rise, Equans Pushes Technology to New Heights
As the energy sector evolves, so do the scale and sophistication of cyber threats. With its finger on the pulse of innovation, Equans leverages emerging technologies to not only address current cybersecurity challenges, but also anticipate future trends. This forward-thinking strategy puts Equans at the forefront of cybersecurity, securing the future of energy against the shifting nature of cyber threats.
Advanced Intrusion Detection Systems: Equans has designed sophisticated systems that monitor energy networks in real time and use machine learning algorithms to quickly detect and respond to unusual patterns and potential threats.
Robust encryption protocols: To protect sensitive data on energy networks, Equans uses robust encryption protocols safeguarding data in transit and at rest and ensuring compliance with global data protection standards.
Automated vulnerability assessment tools: To address the dynamic nature of cyber threats, Equans deploys automated continuous vulnerability assessment tools that enable proactive defence and system hardening.
AI-powered predictive analytics: Using AI-powered predictive analytics, Equans analyses historical and current data to anticipate potential cybersecurity threats to proactively strengthen defences.
In 2022, EQUANS created EQUANS Digital to further expand its cybersecurity offering and focus on digital transformation and performance. This initiative brings together specialised ICT (Information and Communications Technology) and digital expertise, supported by a global team of six thousand employees, and focuses on key areas such as audiovisual and video, robotics, automation, BIM, telecommunications, and connectivity. It integrates these areas with physical infrastructure data to improve the efficiency of solutions.
From IT to OT Cybersecurity
In operational technology, where the continuous availability of a system is critical, immediate response to and recovery from cybersecurity breaches is crucial. Equans plays a central role through its real-time threat measurement, data management, interoperability and AI-powered application solutions. Our cybersecurity solutions for operational technology include auditing, implementation, engineering, maintenance, and backup management with Versiondog software. Specialising in industrial network security, we provide OT cybersecurity assessments, patch management and 24/7 monitoring, all tailored to the specific needs of our customers. This multi-layered strategy enables robust protection for critical infrastructure and data.
Equans’ versatile, innovative cybersecurity solutions are particularly suited to shielding sensitive sites against vital threats such as terrorism, hacking, espionage, or sabotage. Through our specialist security division, Ineo Defence, we have combined our advanced regulatory expertise and operational experience with national defence systems to provide a comprehensive range of solutions and services. This includes the development and deployment of CADIVS (Intrusion Detection Access Control and Video Surveillance) solutions to assure regulatory compliance and operational security.
Trust and Integrity: Core Pillars of Cybersecurity in the Energy Sector
Given the operational, financial, and reputational risks involved, trust and integrity are fundamental to effective cybersecurity. As the sector undergoes digital transformation, maintaining these values is critical to the stability and reliability of energy systems. By focusing on trust and integrity, Equans not only protects the technical aspects of energy systems, but also builds the confidence of customers, partners, and regulators in their commitment to cybersecurity. This extends to the following areas:
Data integrity and confidentiality: In energy systems, the accuracy and confidentiality of data are of paramount importance. Equans focuses on ensuring data integrity through advanced encryption and secure data management practices. This prevents data tampering and unauthorised access and ensures that energy distribution and management decisions are based on reliable and unaltered data.
Security in the supply chain: Trust also extends to the supply chain. Equans sees to it that all components and software used in energy systems fulfil strict security standards. Equans collaborates closely with vendors and partners to secure the supply chain against potential vulnerabilities and verify that every element of the system is trustworthy.
Resilient infrastructure: Trust in the energy sector also depends on the resilience of the infrastructure. Equans invests in building resilient systems that can withstand and quickly recover from cyber-attacks to ensure the integrity and continuity of energy services.
Compliance with regulations and standards: Compliance with international cybersecurity standards and regulatory requirements is as important to building trust as technical resilience. Equans is committed to complying with standards such as ISO 27001, NIST and IEC 62443, demonstrating its commitment to maintaining high security standards in all areas.
Transparency in operations and reporting: Transparency is the ultimate cornerstone. Equans maintains open channels of communication with customers and stakeholders, providing clear and timely information about cybersecurity policies, incidents, and responses. This transparency helps to build and maintain trust with customers and regulators.
Equans Case Studies
Security requirements vary considerably, whether for national defence operations, sensitive electrical installations, urban environments, power plants or companies. They range from detecting intrusions and monitoring critical areas for unauthorised access to dispatching security alerts in real time. Equans leverages its decade-long expertise in industrial systems and national security to develop customised, versatile solutions for these wide-ranging security requirements.
In more than 700 French cities, Equans has been instrumental in creating secure smart city infrastructures. Our approach has been to incorporate comprehensive cybersecurity measures across energy, transport, and communication networks. This integration includes the use of AI solutions, video surveillance, alert stations, water level sensors, and school safety strategies.
Equans performed an operational technology (OT) inventory for an international food and beverage company in Belgium. The project involved updating, patching, and upgrading firmware, setting up a dedicated software system for backup management and developing procedures to enable the resilience of production facilities against cyber threats.
In anticipation of the NIS 2 regulation, Equans conducted an extensive OT cybersecurity assessment for a public waste management company. This included assessing the security measures of industrial OT systems, network architecture, access controls and incident response protocols, culminating in a detailed status report with actionable recommendations to improve cybersecurity.
Equans modernised and improved the monitoring system of an agricultural company in the Netherlands, which involved redesigning security and update management protocols and implementing a 24/7 service contract for continuous support and monitoring to ensure the integrity and security of the company's operational systems.
Preventing Cyberthreats: Training and Awareness
Equans not only focuses on the technical aspects of cybersecurity but is also dedicated to ethical practices and operational excellence. The company adheres to the highest standards of data protection and ethical hacking to guarantee that its cybersecurity measures are not only effective, but also responsible.
This ethical framework is embedded in Equans' corporate culture of cybersecurity vigilance and adherence to strict security regulations. Recognising that human factors play a crucial role in either ensuring or compromising cybersecurity, we continuously invest in training and awareness programs for our employees. This ensures that all our teams are aware of the latest cybersecurity practices and understand their role in maintaining the trust and integrity of energy systems.
Practical Tips to Enhance Cybersecurity from The Ground Up
Equans’ operations run the gamut of energy projects, encompassing activities in both the public and private sectors. This means working within urban settings, with businesses, industrial sites, and energy operators, including those of vital importance (OIV) and essential services (OSE). We prioritize early engagement with our clients in these projects to minimize the risks to both physical and digital infrastructures. Specifically, we offer practical advice and share best practices to improve cybersecurity in energy companies. This includes robust data encryption, regular system audits and strict access controls.
A Cybersecurity Partner Who Has You and Your Team’s Back
We work extremely closely with energy companies to help them implement these practices and develop a cybersecurity strategy that best fits their operations and risks. We integrate scalable, technical solutions tailored to industry-specific challenges, and involve the companies throughout the process so that their internal teams are aware of the risks and know how and when to act accordingly.
Safeguarding The Future of Energy
Today, the importance of cybersecurity in the energy sector cannot be overstated. Equans has consistently stood for the fusion of technological innovation and cybersecurity excellence. Honed over more than ten years, our experience in the energy sector is characterised by a relentless commitment to not only delivering energy solutions, but also ensuring their security in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. As a key partner to organisations across the spectrum of the energy industry, our proactive cybersecurity measures are not just an added feature, but an integral part of our company ethos to shield our own infrastructure and operations, as well as our customers.
Our efforts to combine best-in-class energy systems and cybersecurity solutions are not just about securing the present, they are about ensuring a secure and resilient energy future.