Cybercrime , Events , Fraud Management & Cybercrime

Energy Sector Innovation Tests Traditional Security Models

The rapid growth of renewable energy infrastructure is challenging fundamental cybersecurity principles, pushing the industry to rethink decades-old security frameworks. As nations advance their smart grid initiatives and renewable energy programs, traditional security models such as air-gapped systems face increasing pressure to adapt.

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This transformation extends beyond just technological changes, requiring a complete reimagining of how organizations approach critical infrastructure protection. The emergence of smaller energy producers and interconnected power systems demands more flexible and innovative security solutions.

"For energy transitions, you have new energy producers on new technology - like solar farms, wind farms or hydro farms - that does not necessarily need to follow the Purdue model. These producers generally may not have the budget to implement a large stack of controls," said John Lee, managing director at Global Resilience Federation Asia-Pacific and CyberEdBoard member.

The challenge affects broader cybersecurity initiatives as well. "We protect ourselves against the undetectable, the difficult part of ever-increasing sophistication of the dark side. If there's an innovation that you can classify, it is not innovation. If it's an innovation that you can't classify, develop them and shape them into a new classification," said Ken Soh, group CIO at BH Global.

In this video interview with Information Security Media Group at the GovWare Conference and Exhibition 2024, Lee and Soh also discussed:

• How smart nation initiatives reshape security requirements;
• The evolution of cross-border security collaboration;
• New approaches to quantum security preparedness.

Soh has spearheaded various digital transformation initiatives at BH Global, including data visualization and strengthening the company's ERP platform. He has more than 25 years of experience in the ICT industry. Prior to joining BH Global, Soh held various senior leadership positions in public and private sectors with master planning and profit and loss responsibilities.

With more than 20 years of experience in information security and ICT, Lee also oversees the OT-ISAC in the Asia-Pacific region. His expertise includes enhancing resilience against cyberthreats and fostering collaboration among critical infrastructure stakeholders. He is a part of the CyberEdBoard.