Digitalization of the energy sector: cyber risks, vulnerabilities of smart grids and mechanisms to protect the energy security of the state
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26906/EiR.2026.2(101).4665Keywords:
energy security, digitalization, energy sector, oil and gas, smart grids, cybersecurity, government regulation, digital technologies, cyber risks, critical infrastructure, cyber threatsAbstract
It is argued that the common concept underlying most definitions of energy security is the absence of, protection from, or adaptability to threats that arise from or affect the energy supply chain. The relevant types of threats change along with the change of systems. The article examines the impact of digitalization of the energy sector and cyber threats on energy security. The growing use of information technologies in the energy sector, including energy networks, oil and gas pipelines, and other critical infrastructure, has made this sector more vulnerable to cyber attacks. The differences of smart energy networks are highlighted and cybersecurity threats to the energy sector are summarized. Cyberterrorism poses a significant risk to the energy sector and requires careful attention and management to ensure the safe and reliable operation of energy infrastructure. The article provides an overview of cyber threats. The energy sector faces cybersecurity risks caused by both syntactic and semantic attacks. But, on the other hand, thanks to digitalization, the system efficiency and resilience to traditional persistent threats and threats of technical failures are increased. The potential consequences and economic impact of cyberattacks on the energy sector are considered, which can lead to financial losses, environmental damage and even human deaths. Cyberattacks on the energy sector can also have a cascading effect on other sectors, as the energy sector plays a crucial role in the economies of many countries. Cybersecurity precautions and defense mechanisms are summarized, covering people, software, physical infrastructure and architecture of the energy system. Ensuring energy security requires that the energy sector remain vigilant in the face of evolving cyber threats and continue to develop and implement effective risk management strategies to protect against cyberterrorism.
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