Green energy with security Hauke Kästing and Phoenix Contact protect wind turbine generators against cybercrime.
Brief summary
In a world in which renewable energies are playing an increasingly important role, wind turbine generators are also increasingly becoming a target for cybercriminals. This article highlights the challenges and work of Hauke Kästing, an IT Security Specialist at Phoenix Contact, who specializes in protecting wind turbines and other renewable energy generators against cyberattacks. From the increasing networking of systems to the need to involve employees in security practices, this article explains how Kästing and his team are helping to make the energy revolution more secure.
Main article
The importance of renewable energy is constantly increasing. At the same time, wind turbine generators are increasingly becoming the target of cybercriminals. In this article, we take a look at the challenges and work of Hauke Kästing, an IT Security Specialist at Phoenix Contact, who specializes in protecting wind turbines and other renewable energy generators against cyberattacks. Find out how Kästing and his team are helping to make the energy revolution more secure, from the increasing networking of systems to integrating employees into security practices.
Wind power performance has its price
Wind turbine generators are crucial for the energy revolution. They provide the clean energy we need to influence climate change. Automation technology plays an important role in increasing the efficiency of these systems. However, increasing automation also involves risks, as unauthorized persons may be able to intervene in the control systems. This could result in the systems being shut down or even damaged.
Technological progress leads to new risks
The wind turbine generators have developed significantly over the years. From small citizen’s wind turbines in the 90s to modern, high-performance systems with a capacity of 3.5 MW. However, this development has also brought new challenges, especially in the area of security.
Cyberthreats in wind power: a growing danger
The increasing networking of wind turbine generators and the integration of communication systems have increased the vulnerability to cyberattacks. Hauke Kästing, who was originally enthusiastic about wind power, is now focusing on making these systems secure. IT security in renewable power generation requires a comprehensive approach, as the effects of cyberattacks can be far-reaching.
The threat of cybercrime is real and increasing steadily. In the past, wind turbine generators were isolated systems and therefore resistant to cybercrime. If something did not work, someone had to go on site. Today, modern networked systems not only send error logs, operating data, and alarms, but also enable remote access to optimize operation. For hackers, this is an invitation to cause damage or to extort the operators by planting ransomware and to paralyze the systems.
Teamwork and holistic security concepts
Hauke Kästing works closely with system manufacturers, investors, and operators to protect wind turbine generators against cyberattacks. Phoenix Contact provides comprehensive security analyses and upgrades for existing systems, because one single technical solution is not sufficient.
Hauke Kästing, IT Security Specialist at Phoenix Contact
Mission Heartbeat: cybersecurity as a personal passion
The topic of security is slowly gaining in importance. Interest is growing noticeably and enquiries at Phoenix Contact have increased massively since Fall 2021. The security of wind turbine generators is not only a business necessity, but also a personal passion for Hauke Kästing. As a son in a farming family who understands the importance of wind turbine generators for the basic supply of people, he is passionate about the security and success of renewable energies.