Cyber security: six most common ways to attack photovoltaics

Successful hacker attacks can lead to instability in solar farms and power grids, causing interruptions in energy production and supply. This, in turn, can lead to power outages or limited access to electricity for businesses and households.

In addition, outages can have a domino effect and affect other sectors that depend on a steady power supply, such as healthcare, communications and transport.

The economic consequences of successful cyber attacks are equally serious. Solar companies face financial losses due to downtime, costly repairs and potential loss of intellectual property (IP).

The shift towards non-fossil energy sources could be disrupted as confidence in renewable energy sources could be undermined, leading to greater dependence on fossil fuels. This change could have an impact on the environment as it undermines efforts to transition to cleaner energy.

These attacks expose vulnerabilities in national security, particularly when critical infrastructure is targeted, exposing countries to the risk of further manipulation of their energy markets.

Finally, successful cyber attacks can lead to data breaches, compromising sensitive information and potentially resulting in the loss of proprietary technology and innovation.

The cumulative effect of these consequences not only threatens the growth of renewable energy sources, but also destabilises energy markets and creates long-term concerns for national security.

Needless to say, the consequences of inaction in addressing cyber security vulnerabilities in solar energy are extremely serious.


Six ways hackers can attack solar equipment

Attacks on inverters
Photovoltaic inverters are often directly connected to the internet via APIs for monitoring and remote management. These devices do not usually have the best security.

A hacker attack usually begins by exploiting a vulnerability in the inverter's firmware or internet connection. For example, a firmware update may leave an internet port permanently open, exposing the system to risk.

Hackers can easily gain access through open ports, especially if the system still uses default passwords. Once inside, they can take control of the inverter and manipulate the system, for example by disrupting communication and cloud functions, requiring manual repairs or sometimes even complete replacement of the inverters.

Attacks on SCADA
SCADA systems used in solar installations can be vulnerable. They are an easy target because they are designed to be user-friendly rather than secure.

Originally developed to control infrastructure such as power grids and pipelines, SCADA systems have evolved from proprietary, isolated systems into more interconnected networks, increasing their vulnerability to cyber threats.

Attackers can exploit weak authentication, outdated software, and unsecured communication channels to gain unauthorised access. Once inside, they can manipulate control software, inject false data, or even disable critical functions.

LAN/WAN attacks
Hackers can also attack solar installations through network (LAN/WAN) attacks by exploiting open ports, introducing malware or ransomware, and intercepting unencrypted communications.

Open ports allow unauthorised access, malware can disrupt operations or demand ransom, and unencrypted channels allow attackers to manipulate data or steal sensitive information. To ensure the security of these networks, you need reliable firewalls, encryption and regular updates.

Cloud-based attacks
Hackers can attack solar installations through cloud-based attacks by exploiting login credentials and intercepting communications using man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.

In a cloud environment, where solar installations use cloud platforms for remote monitoring and data storage, weak or compromised login credentials can give hackers direct access to sensitive systems. Once inside, attackers can change configurations or access data.

In MITM attacks, hackers intercept communications between the solar installation and the cloud platform. This allows them to modify transmitted data, insert malicious commands or steal confidential information without being detected.

It is therefore essential to secure cloud systems in solar energy with strong passwords, two-factor authentication and encryption.

Attacks on energy management systems (EMS)
Hackers can also attack energy management systems (EMS) by exploiting weak or compromised login credentials.

These systems, which monitor and control energy consumption in electrical grids and industrial facilities, are often accessible remotely.

If attackers gain access to login credentials, whether through phishing, brute force, or exploiting weak password security, they can gain unauthorised access to EMS.

Once inside, they can manipulate energy distribution, disrupt energy flow, or steal sensitive data related to energy consumption. This can cause operational outages, energy losses, or even trigger a cascading effect in interconnected systems.

To ensure the security of these EMS systems, it is essential to use multi-factor authentication and regularly update login credentials.

Attacks on third-party service providers
Finally, hackers can attack solar installations through attacks on external service providers by exploiting security weaknesses in suppliers and service providers that support solar systems.

If these external suppliers do not follow robust security protocols, they can become an entry point for attackers. Hackers can infiltrate a supplier's systems and from there gain access to the solar installation's network, often bypassing more direct security measures.

These attacks demonstrate the importance of thoroughly vetting suppliers and ensuring that external providers adhere to strict security practices.