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Cybersecurity in hydrogen production plants
Hydrogen derived from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind is pivotal to decarbonization . As the hydrogen sector rapidly evolves , adaptable security measures against cyber threats are a necessity . Ensuring the highest level of protection against risks is paramount for this sector . What are the threats , and how can operators protect themselves ?
By René Jacobs , Communications Professional , Siemens
In today ’ s hyperconnected world , industrial plants are a constant target of cyberattacks – hydrogen production plants are no exception . Across Europe , the cybersecurity landscape demonstrates a concerning trend : according to a report by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity ( ENISA ) from 2023 , there were a significant number of incidents in manufacturing , including process plants , with attacks on availability ( e . g ., DDoS – Distributed Denial of Service ) and ransomware being the most common threats .
Potential damage scenarios
DDoS attacks , aiming to disrupt system and data availability by blocking services or overloading the network , pose a major problem in cybersecurity . Similarly , ransomware , where attackers encrypt a company ’ s data and demand payment for its release , has increased substantially . However , the impacts of these attacks extend far beyond immediate operational disruptions : security breaches , including the potential for sabotage , pose a serious safety risk to humans and the environment . While intellectual property theft
10 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 16 | June 2024