Attackers Could Hack Smart Solar Systems and Cause Serious Damages

Summary: DW investigated the vulnerabilities in smart solar systems amid the rising demand for solar energy, highlighting risks posed by weak security measures. Interviews with cybersecurity experts revealed alarming accessibility to solar power systems, suggesting potential blackouts as a consequence of cyberattacks. The report emphasizes the urgency of securing critical infrastructure as threats to the EU energy grid escalate.

Affected: Smart solar systems, EU energy infrastructure

Keypoints :

• Hackers demonstrated that weak or default passwords expose smart solar plants to cyber threats, risking grid security.
• Research indicates it is possible for threat actors to compromise smart grids, potentially triggering blackouts.
• Recent vulnerabilities in management platforms for solar power systems could allow attackers to manipulate inverter settings, posing serious risks to the power grid.
• The pro-Russian hacktivist group Just Evil and the nation-state actor Beregini have actively targeted Lithuanian energy infrastructure.