As the world faces the harsh realities of climate change, countries are taking action to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy. The Philippines, for example, has committed to reducing emissions by 75% by 2030 through the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) 2020-2040. To achieve these goals, electric utilities must step up and support the growing usage of renewable energy. But with critical infrastructures, like energy utilities, being attractive targets for cybercriminals, securing the sector is vital.
Advanced networking capabilities are critical to enabling a modern power grid that can collect and transport electricity in real time from various energy sources. These networks must support ongoing, two-way communication while also tracking the use of electricity and the status of systems at different physical locations. However, modernizing operational technology (OT) networks for electric utilities poses a challenge to security.
When OT and IT networks converge, the air gap that OT systems rely on for security no longer exists, leaving the sector vulnerable to cyberattacks. As a result, organizations can implement a zero-trust approach to cybersecurity, which verifies every user’s identity and provides access based on what is known about them. However, companies must also consider how this approach will affect users to maintain productivity.
Securing critical infrastructure is crucial to maintaining vital services and protecting them from cyberattacks that can impede their operations. As the world continues to combat climate change, electric utilities must ensure they have the necessary security measures in place to support the growing usage of renewable energy and help their countries achieve clean power targets.
Using effective cybersecurity solutions is essential to secure critical infrastructures from cyberattacks. However, when OT networks are modernized, deploying security is a challenge. With the convergence of OT and IT networks, the air gap that OT systems depend on to keep strong security ceases to exist. This leaves this sector vulnerable to attacks.
“To safeguard critical infrastructures, organizations can implement a zero-trust approach to cybersecurity. This strategic approach’s philosophy is to verify first every user’s identity and only provide access based on what is known about them. But companies must also consider how this approach will affect users to maintain seamless experience and productivity,” according to Peerapong Jongvibool, Regional Director of Fortinet Southeast Asia and Hong Kong.
Fortinet is a multinational cybersecurity company that provides various network security solutions and services to businesses and organizations of all sizes. Its products include firewalls, VPNs, intrusion prevention systems, endpoint security, cloud security, and more. The company’s cybersecurity solutions are designed to protect against various threats, including malware, viruses, ransomware, and other cyberattacks. The company also offers security services, such as threat intelligence, security assessments, and incident response. Fortinet serves customers in various industries, including government, healthcare, finance, education, and telecommunications, among others.